11 February,2010 06:43 AM IST | | Priyanjali Ghose and L Romal M Singh
Yes, we know Backstreet boys sang that, but we'd rather use it to rejoice about Lounge Piranha -- the hundred percent purely Bangalorean band that's all set to perform with two of their best 'friends', during this Valentine weekend
If you've been wondering where Bangalore's only 'alternative' band disappeared to? Then fret not, 'cause they are back and how! The band just got their stuff together after a prolonged tour across the country that included performances in Hyderabad and Chennai, just a week ago.
With a new member and some cool new tracks, Lounge Piranha is all set to make some noise this Saturday with their latest performance in town. Where you ask? Well, it's at their most-loved haunt -- the Alliance Franu00e7aise and this time round, they plan to feature two more bands.
Gowri, an independent singer who is originally Bangalorean but now claims Mumbai as home, will tell us tales of Mumbai, dirt, politics, God, sex and corruption in song while Native Tongue, a Hyderabad-based band will also share some stage-time.
"We decided to do our own show, as for the last two years, performances across the country have been affected by the recession and police restrictions. We did manage to push in a few performances now and then, but it's about time we performed in Namma Bengaluru again," says Abhijit Tambu00e9, vocalist and guitarist from Lounge Piranha. "It is a bigger experience with two more bands and good for the music scene in Bangalore that always welcomes new styles. It also shows the spirit of co-operation among Indian bands, irrespective of which city or town they come from," he adds.
Lounge Piranha is known for their original sound and they're even more popular for their slightly eccentric and cracked covers of hit pop numbers. From guitars and drums to didgeridoos and djembes, this band has introduced the city to a new genre of music that we believe should be classified as World Music.
For this particular concert, they have not planned any set of songs and hope to present a spontaneous and on the spot performance, that keeps changing as per audience reactions. The band features Abhijit Tambu00e9 on vocals and guitar, George Mathen on drums, Kamal Singh on guitar and vocals and Shalini Mohan on bass guitar.
We're sure Lounge Piranha will sweep you off your feet, like they always do, but don't expect any less from their Hyderabadi counterpart. Native Tongue, which calls itself a post funk band from Hyderabad, has something special in store for Bangalore. Inspired by U2, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Police, Foo Fighters and Muse among others -- their songs deal with themes concerning love, hate, sunshine, corruption, city life, split personalities and more. Sounds familiar no? Especially if you know the kind of songs Lounge Piranha is famous for! Look forward to several original compositions from the band, most of which will feature in their upcoming album, slated to release in March.
"We are playing with friends like Lounge Piranha and that makes this show very special. It will be nice to share stage space with these guys," says Samson from Native Tongue.
"Moreover, it is always nice to play in Bangalore. The audience here is receptive. They are open to originality and experimentation and that makes it all the more exciting for us," Samson adds.
Gowri on the other hand can be called the 'girl with the acoustic guitar' who sings songs about Bombay... Oops... Sorry! Mumbai, travel, dirt, jealousy, the youth, rains and sometimes even beverages! Some of her songs include Butter Fingers, Coffee Before Poopoo, Gin n Lime, Tea, and Psycho Heart. God! These guys know how to find people just like them!
The songs have all been written at different times in her life and in different situations. Listen to them and you will know where she's coming from. Each place, each situation, and each gig is another experience and maybe a journey to another song. Gowri has lived in Bombay for a long time before she recently moved back to Bangalore. Bombay loses what Bangalore gains?!
"I really like the crowd in Bangalore. It is nice to perform here as the crowd is extremely chilled." Gowri tells us, and we can only grin like idiots and totally agree.
At: Alliance Franu00e7aise
On: February 13,
7 pm onwards
Call: 98444 06380
Tickets: Rs 200
Available at
Pecos Pub; Mojos; Herbs N Spice, Indiranagar; Thulp, Koramangala; and Fusion (Casa Piccola), Koramangala
