Gig Preview: Chandbibi and the Waste Candidates at The Humming Tree, Bengaluru

Chandbibi and the Waste Candidates – (from left) Sidhant Jain, Kavita Sarna, Navneet Rao and Mana Dhanraj. Photo: Mallikarjun Katakol

Who: Chandbibi and The Waste Candidates is a Bengaluru-based experimental rock band, which combines elements of jazz, electronica, progressive rock/metal, Latin and Carnatic music. The current lineup of the band ”“ vocalist Mana Dhanraj, guitarist Sidhant Jain, bassist Kavita Sarna and drummer Navneet Rao ”“ met at the institute Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music [SAM]. Says bassist Sarna, who joined the band in February this year, “It was actually my first day at SAM and they had a gig. They needed a bassist and I ended up joining.” The four-member band, who released a four-track self-titled EP in December last year, are finishing their debut album, which currently has the working title Prelude and is slated to release in August. Sarna explains, “We’re still working on it, but what we’ve got right now is Prelude, since we think it’s a prelude to our future work.”

What to expect: The band will play a set comprising three new songs from the album ”“ the Carnatic-influenced “Whatever Happened,” the Latin rhythm-led “Sway,” and a groovy pop rock song called “Moonlight.” Sarna says they’ll also include two songs from their EP ”“ “Old Fashioned Girls” and “Summer Days.” Chandbibi and the Waste Candidates will also perform three covers, including Australian soul band Hiatus Kaiyote’s “Lace Skull,” UK trip hop band Portishead’s “Glory Box” and soul singer India Arie’s “Brown Skin.” When asked about opening for Bengaluru alt rock band Mad Orange Fireworks, Sarna agrees that both bands have a similar vibe, except that Chandbibi are “largely a jam band.”

Spin this: It might be raining where you’re at, but the band reminds you of better times on their laidback song “Summer Days,” off their EP, driven by a soothing jazz groove.

Chandbibi and the Waste Candidates open for Mad Orange Fireworks on July 11th, 2014 at the Humming Tree, Bengaluru. Entry: Free. Event details here.