Bands prove their mettle at Onstage
Originally an arena for guitar-wielding, distortion heavy rock bands to prove their mettle, TNL Onstage is known for its effect on local talent. Fifteen years down the line, and many additions to the competitive rounds later, little has changed as for most ensembles which enjoy an occasional jam session being a part of TNL Onstage has become a goal. For the eight bands that have inched forward as semi-finalists, entering the competition has meant no less.
Against Gravity was born when a few old Thomians were re-united at The Big Match, this year. Fuzzy memories of playing together at school kindled the idea that “we should do TNL Onstage.” A five-piece team, consisting mostly of former students of STC, the rockers range from 19-24 and meet every Friday and Saturday. Playing together for “about 3-4 months,” this has come to be their ideal means of winding-down after a busy week. As for their name, they tell us “It was on a T-shirt” the band’s axe-man wore to a rehearsal.
Some groups however are on the semi-finalist list and are looking for redemption. Resurrection was born from a previously disbanded group. “We have three original members” they tell us, but bringing-in newer recruits the TNL stage is part of their debut appearance together. Twenty- Twenty four year olds run the show for Resurrection “and we have good chemistry” which they feel gives them a slight edge in the competition. “It’s about the team and we play to have fun.”
For others the chance at the Onstage title is about exposure . “We were looking for a big break-to introduce ourselves as a band” according to Karma. Previously known as Slash, the former band came together with some newer additions “so that we can take-part.” Currently the 6 man crew enjoy jamming to alternative and heavier rock, but have little reservation when it comes to the classics, like ‘Long Train Running.’ This is also telling of the group’s interest musical alchemy, “We like to mix-up genres and experiment with arrangements.”
Some bands just want to confuse you. Ask Chain, they admit it. “Chain doesn’t mean an endlessly linked thing” they clarify. This squad of 4 mean more along the lines of “when a chain jumps out”-think bicycle chains popping out of place. Predominantly a progressive rock band they remain a melodic puzzle because “all of us like different genres.” Their distinct sound comes from a musical muddle of genres ranging from reggae, old school rock and anything the band feels they should include. “The level of competition is steep,” they share, hoping their original pieces will catapult them into the finals.
Cosmogyral is the youngest band in running for this year’s title. The team of 4 students from St. Joseph’s College are 17-19 years old and have worked around their exam schedule to finally enter the competition. “Somehow” they share, of their band’s name, “It means travelling across the universe.” In the school music scene for as long as they started playing together from about three years ago the boys’ niche is “mainly acoustic sounds with a chilled-out vibe.” Feeling that “relying on the acoustic genre to get the job done” rather than heavier tones, gives them a distinct identity they hope to make appropriate song-choices and eventually “perform at music festivals.”
Amuthu is yet another band whose nucleus is their school. Currently 20-25 years old, this group knew each other from their days at Dharmaraja College Kandy. Not strictly a rock-band, they tell us that “these days, we are playing rock.” Their advent in the hill country since December last year has gathered Amuthu a “good fan-base in Kandy.” TNL Onstage was a means to be introduced to the Colombo music scene which was too tempting for the group to resist. Keeping it short, they share that the name Amuthu sprang simply because “we were told so.”
Rebel Exodus doesn’t have much stage-time to boast of. “We generally perform on the streets,” they say, pulling-out a guitar under the skies is how this bunch tethered the ticks of a successful performance. Their love for a good time and better music lead the 4 members to meet in the foliage around Malabe which has been audience to most of their musical experiments. “Alternative” they feel is too broad an umbrella for their style which is “varying levels of rock” and a spot of reggae. The nomadic musicians have had a few hicks in their journey to the Semi-Finals, for instance a drummer who lives in Wattala has left the Malabe-dwellers percussion-less for a few studio rehearsals which are still slightly alien. These finalities don’t concern them too much however, because “it all comes down to chilling, and having a good time.”
Lustful Gaze sounds closer to a fragrance brand or pseudo-Victorian romance novel than the usual Sri-Lankan rock-band. In fairness to this 5 strong group however, they don’t plan on bringing anything we’ve seen before to their performance.Having been around since 2013 “we’re the first Glam-Rock band.” Hats, badges and spandex are condiments to the genre of rock they perform- “It’s not just the music, it’s the entire package.” Audiences are generally apprehensive they have noted in the past, but quality music of the 80’s and 90’s that are imprinted in the band’s mind soon wins over most crowds who join-in the party onstage. The Ultimate goal for Lustful Gaze however, is to create a genre of rock endemic to Sri Lanka- “We call it Stoner Glam-Rock.”