Local Rock stars

By Shaukat Islam On e-mail
8 May 2005, 18:00 PM
What Mahmudul Haque (DS, 22.4.05) pointed out was 'distortion of Bangla accent' by the so-called underground bands (not all, I am sure), and not 'criticising' music which was not to his 'liking' as stated by Arafat Kazi (DS, 27.4.05). I have read both the letters and may add my views from a different perspective.

Arafat Kazi being a band member himself should not feel offended by any attack as one must be open to criticism and suggestions; or how else can one make improvement? It's true that what may seem like 'music' to one's ears can sound like 'irritating noise' to others. But can he say confidently that all these present genre bands are creating 'art and music' ? I am positive that he cannot. By just producing high decibel guitar riffs accompanied by thunder drums and high pitched screaming does not make one a 'metal' or 'underground' band. I am open to all sorts of musicbe it folk, pop, hard rock or heavy metal-- one thing is common for all good songs and that is harmony, balance and the overall composition.

Coming back to the Bangla accent distortion, yes, it does sound irritating, funny and pathetic. Like Mahmudul Haque said there is nothing wrong if these bands produce English compositions. I must say here that some of the present bands are very talented and are producing extremely good music. I had recently gone to buy CDs of two new bands ( not available at the shop) and ended up listening to a few songs of Black's last album. The music arrangement, composition and sound were so good-- but when the vocals started, the accent sounded so funny and 'foreign'. Now, if I say that their accent needs improvement, will I be dubbed as someone who cannot appreciate the music of these young genre musicians?