Acoustic Rock Band Bemanan To Perform In Kolkata

Bemanan | Photo Credit: notsoabsolute

Kolkata has been gaining a reputation over the last few years as the new hub for breaking bands. Whether it’s the Ganesh Talkies mash of pop rock and Bollywood or The Supersonics’ brand of rock ’n roll. Formed in May this year, Bemanan adds to the growing list of talented bands from the city. The acoustic band comprises former members of Kolkata bands such as Jack Rabbit and Fiddler’s Green, including vocalist/percussionist Sayatya Mallick, guitarist Diptangshu Chakrabarty and  Diptanshu Roy on mandolin. Says Mallick, “We saw each other perform as other acts and eventually we realized we had similar ways of thinking and ideas about music, so we got together and formed a band.”

Drawing inspiration from blues, bluegrass, rock, jazz and of course, traditional Bangla music, the band tries to embody the lyrical mastery of artists such as Bangla band Gorer Math as well as Bollywood film music composers S.D. Burman and Salil Choudhury. Currently working on a series of music videos dubbed the ”˜Choupahari Recordings,’ in association with production house notsoabsolute, Bemanan aims to showcase “the beauty of imperfection,” as they put it, by recording their music in outdoor environments. Says Mallick, “The idea was to free ourselves from the studio. It’s easy to forget that music is something that is living and breathing.” The group have already recorded four tracks and are planning on releasing an album in the coming year, featuring a new range of instruments such as the bass, cello and Indian folk instruments. Adds Mallick, “Unfortunately, part of it will eventually have to be recorded in a studio.”

The band’s set tonight will consist of songs such as “Kato Gayi,” “Damal Chhele,” and “Tumi Aalo,” as well as covers of Bengali artists such as rock band Mohiner Ghoraguli, singer-songwriter Arunendu Das and the legendary poet Rabindranath Tagore.

Bemanan
October 8th, 2014 – Wilson’s, Kolkata
9 pm onward

Watch Bemanan’s video for “Koto Gaayi:”