Reviews on Roots 2007 and Candlerock 2007

You are here: Home » leisure » Rock Concert

E-Pao! Rock Concert - Reviews on Roots 2007 and Candlerock 2007

By:- ImpRock.com *

The Roots on 9th May,2007 at BOAT

Concert Poster for Roots 2007

"The Roots" happened on 9th May, 2007 at BOAT, Imphal with a great varieties of cultural dances and rock music. It was unique in its own way. The westerners performed alongside the colourfull cultural show from all around Manipur. The Roots promised some good times which was backed up by the touring bands from Australia, UK and our very own North-Easterner from Shillong. And they delivered. What more can we expect ????

It rained that day since morning. The organizers might have had a bad time that day. Luckily, the rain stopped in the noon. And it looked very certain that the concert will not be postponed or cancelled, whatsoever. We had entered the venue long before the concert began to watch the Sound-Check.

It went very fine with lots of Guitars tuning and drums slamming. The sound check ended at around 5 pm. And by that time, the venue was filling up very fast. The organisers have played their cards quite well and it was clearly showing. Almost all the crowds were wearing the "Roots" black T-shirts and looked quite amused.

Then, the usual prize distribution kind of ceremony took place which are very common in Manipur. It even happens in Rock Concerts and Beauty Pageants. It took longer than expected. Finally it ended and made way for the next event, which was the cultural events.

The first few cultural acts were mind blowing. The crowds loved it. And the time rolls on. But there were still no signs of rock music. The cultural events kept dragging on and on and on. That really pissed us off. We began to wonder if we were really in the right place, whether the rock concert was postponed, or whether ...well whatever the reason was.

Guru Rewben Masangwa and his son during Roots 2007

It was really getting on people's nerves. And finally to the relief of all the rock enthusiaists present, the western music part began with Guru Rewben Masangwa and his son, Saka. They gave their yet another marvellous performance that night with rendition of "Chungkou Phillawa" which was a Tangkhul folk song. They managed to fused the folk music with bues and presented to the crowd a very soothing music which moved the crowd to a greter level of musical bliss. Well, it was worth waiting.

The next to come was X-cannibal which was of course the most popular rock band in Imphal rock circuit. We are still unable to understand their basis of popularity, yet they are popular. They began with a self composed Manipur song called "Pakhangba". The name seemed very catchy but what followed was a shock.

The drums rolled on at super speed, the guitar was making lots of noises, and someone was screaming and shaking as if having a fit. They call that their new song. And they were really proud of that. Then, same thing repeated. This time it was in some kind of language that sounded a little like English.

They managed to rock the crowd, but without any rhythm, and said 'thank you' and left. On the contrary, we were supposed to say 'thank you' for the leaving! And it would have meant a lot to us. The vocalist would have been highly appreciated if she would have sung those numbers like "What's Up" which she initially used to sing.

She was great those days. But all the glories are lost now. The death metal syndrome had corrupted her. This is what we and many many many others feel. We would like your feedbacks on this.

Then came the solo act from Raychel Stone from UK. This lovely damsel set loose a wave of country songs. It was awesome and she delivered what we have expected. Thats what the musicians do.

After that, the other touring gave the crowd a thrilling experience with an extraordinary sound and techno music that was above par excellence considering the ordinary sound system used in the show. Aurora Jane from Australia witth their Jazz and a very fine bass beats cheered the crowd, however not with some dissappointments.

The latter had a very tough time during their sound check due to the hysterical crowds. Dubshack from Australia was the most impressive amongst the foreign bands and the most successful in terms of cheering up the crowd with a treat of electronic reggae which they called the australian version of reggae or simply "Dub". These australians fixed up the crowd with musics that sounded like Bob Marley teaming up with the chemical brothers giving the crowd a new expression.

The foreign band did gave a tight performance and an extraordinary sound on an ordinary set-up. They also added a new variety and a new dimension in the local music circuit with their presence. However, the fine music could not overcome the lack of punch in their tunes and the very ordinary lyrics.

Also, the lack of professionalism and an experienced entertainer could not live up to the anticipation and expectation of the denizens present, here half of the blame should go to the crowd for their ignorance and lack of appreciation that was very discouraging to the artiste.

However, the band from Shillong, Soulmate proved that appearance can be deceptive. Rudy Wallang and the rest of the band proved that you dont have to be a westerner to play excellent western music. The band got everything that could leave every music enthusiasts swaying in a rhythm like professionalism; attitude; a very fine tune; fine guitar riffs and solos; a soulful vocal and a total devotion to their performance.

Its such a pity that even after decades of existance, the local circuit hasn't produced a single band that could create a fine tune of its own and songs that could cast a spell like Soulmate did.

All in all, the show was quite an experience and it could be a learning experience to all the wannabe rockers or contemporary western music bands in the local arena.

Lastly, the crowd should learn to appreciate good music and encourage artistes in order to make a night filled with good times and enjoyment.

Improck.com would like to convey its gratitude and acknowledgement to Guru Rewben Masangwa and member of the Australian band Dubshack and Carla of Aurora Jane for sharing their ideas and opinion with us.

We also like to convey our gratitude to Springboard Surpises, which is the producer and promoter, for this wonderful treat.

CandleRock on 22nd May, 2007 at BOAT

The candle light memorial for all those who have lost their life from HIV-AIDS was held with high spirits of rock on the night of 22nd May at Imphal at BOAT. The cultural artistes, the local hindustani pop artistes and the rock bands paid their tributes with their acts.

The crowds present also did the same with their tolerance and cheers. The memorial was organised by MNP+, Care Foundation, Lifeline, Kripa ans SASO which is supported by Constella Futures and MACS.

The rock music section started with Positive Brothers Band with their soulfull rendition of RHCP stuffs and Ozzy Osbourne acts among some other numbers. Then followed X-cannibal with Pakhangba once again and an RATH number.

The vocals gave a good song from Evanescence. It was good. Then Recycle belted out a few UK flavors which went very well. The somersault-jack act by the vocals was something special. And the show ended with some manipuri rock from Uttam and his band.

This was the candlerock. Improck also paid tribute with its presence at the memorial concert.

Lets fight AIDS and live. And rock.

An HIV positive proudly claimed some times back - "I think I will not die from AIDS". He still lives, very healthy.

Well, thats the spirit. Kudos to you.

* ImpRock.com provided the detail on this Rock Review. They can be contacted at mail(at)improck(dot)com . This article was webcasted on May 30th, 2007

* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.