The genre of Rock was born out of the Blues in the early 60's out of a need to simplify music and take it to the masses, primarily the rebellious youth who were all too tired of the complexity of jazz and chamber music, tired of an uptight society in general. They needed a voice that would speak their language and represent their experiences in real, sweaty, non-artistic day to day life. Rock was the answer. Rock came up simultaneously on both sides of the Atlantic and then spread itself far and wide over the next few decades. Bangla Rock too, I believe was born out of the need to simplify music and give a voice to the Bengali youth. Cactus to my mind has stayed true to this ever since its inception some 26 years ago. It has stayed true to itself even through its numerous line-up changes, it has stayed true to itself through its evolving soundscape over the decades. Most importantly it has stayed true to what it stands for, a rock band which is a voice for the youth and which speaks the language of their experience, their aspirations and what they see around them every day. And what they see around them is hell!
Amra ajo naroke screams out the fact that we live in hell. How true - war, famine, genocide, anti-semitism, xenophobia, islamophobia, alienation, borders, refugees, orphans, Trump, Modi, far-right extremism, insurgency, rise of neo-nazism is the order of the day. The song is as much political as it is social. The song is as much a commentary of the times we live in as much a warning of what follows. It takes balls in today's intolerant times to put up a mirror in our faces and show us our true selves. It requires a whole lot of intellectual honesty to introspect and ask 'what have we done', with our lives, with our freedom, with our world. Amra ajo naroke is an anthem for the times we live in. It underlines our day to day life in bold stokes.
The sound continues to be experimental and post modern, alt Rock. The lyrics and metaphores used are simple to understand and appreciate. Simplicity is the key as I have already mentioned, but simplicity not at the cost of craftsmanship. Sidhu, Baji, Buti and the rest give it their all from the word go and the haunting theme stays on much after the music has stopped. Thoroughly enjoyed the video and the song.
Cactus forver !!
Amra ajo naroke screams out the fact that we live in hell. How true - war, famine, genocide, anti-semitism, xenophobia, islamophobia, alienation, borders, refugees, orphans, Trump, Modi, far-right extremism, insurgency, rise of neo-nazism is the order of the day. The song is as much political as it is social. The song is as much a commentary of the times we live in as much a warning of what follows. It takes balls in today's intolerant times to put up a mirror in our faces and show us our true selves. It requires a whole lot of intellectual honesty to introspect and ask 'what have we done', with our lives, with our freedom, with our world. Amra ajo naroke is an anthem for the times we live in. It underlines our day to day life in bold stokes.
The sound continues to be experimental and post modern, alt Rock. The lyrics and metaphores used are simple to understand and appreciate. Simplicity is the key as I have already mentioned, but simplicity not at the cost of craftsmanship. Sidhu, Baji, Buti and the rest give it their all from the word go and the haunting theme stays on much after the music has stopped. Thoroughly enjoyed the video and the song.
Cactus forver !!
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