Surreal night

The atmosphere promises to be simply electric, the ambience seductively intense and the general vibe at the venue, screaming of novelty. When Paranoid Earthling takes the stage this December, both their ardent fans as well as those beginning to acquire a taste for this genre of music, will be well satisfied.

In Bed with Paranoid Earthling scheduled for December 2, will be one night jammed with a line up of hard-core originality and a continuous rush of adrenaline. Starting off at 9 p.m., the venue for the event will be the Bed Lounge Bar and Restaurant (formally known as Blizz), and will be an ideal location to bring out the theme and mood of the band's music.

With the venue sporting an atmosphere that is unique and appealing to a wide segment, the show is a kick-start to a series of gigs in the near future under their "Alive in Bed" theme. Tickets for the show can be bought at gate, while doors will open at 8 p.m., and capacity is limited, so make sure you get there on time!

Describing the music they play as "hard to define and easy to like," Mirshad Buckman, Paranoid Earthling's lead vocalist and guitarist went onto add that their music is original, in-your-face rock and roll. "The music we play is part psychedelic, part funk rock and hard rock, and has a mix of music from different era's." Containing a retro-grunge vibe, and 90's grunge/ post grunge, interspersed with 70's retro blues, there are also elements of punk and funk thrown in for good measure as well.

The lyrics of their songs are based on themes ranging from racism, anarchy, politics, conservative ideals in society, corruption and of course "sex, drugs and rock and roll." "We generally talk about our experiences and try to give a message to the people who listen to our music," said Shanka Samarasinghe the band's drummer. He went on to describe the subjects of their songs as essentially "normal and realistic," adding that life was after all, all about experience.

So how does the creative genius of Paranoid Earthling unwind? "Someone comes up with a riff and then we jam it out," says Mirshad. " And then we just keep adding to it and developing on it," added Asela Bandara, bassist of the band. Dhanushka Samarasinghe, a man of few words, contributes his prowess on the guitar, with these four guys making up the line up of the band.

Originally from Kandy, the band initially emerged on the scene in early 2001, and these four members have progressed continuously, building up a following that attracts young adults and an older target segment as well, which follows the band wherever it performs.

Apart from being a leading rock band in the country, Paranoid Earthling's recent release of a three-track EP consisting of the singles "Rock and Roll is my Anarchy," “Track 69” and "Pull me Under," made it big, becoming a favourite in music outlets throughout the country. Each song on the EP 'Rock and Roll is my Anarchy,' reached the number one spot on Sri Lanka's premier rock chart TNL SL top ten. Yet another highlight of their music career, was being featured in an in-depth interview followed by a live on-air performance on Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.

And what of the overall support rock music receives in the entertainment scene? "Rock music hasn't been given a chance for all these years, in Sri Lanka. There are so many restrictions and limitations when it comes to rock music, that it's really hard to get your music out there. But ironically most restrictions are ignored when it comes to other types of music," says Mirshad. He added that rock music appeals to people because of its direct approach to topics, but most people don't give it a chance. "Performing rock music is very much harder than most other genres of music, and its appeal is especially is of its originality. It talks about the real thing," added Asela.

As for what this music does for them…Mirshad summed up their united response. "Creating original music is our passion and dream. Rock music is all about freedom, and freedom of speech." Speaking of the support received throughout the band's career, Rock Company, a pioneering non-profit organisation that has become a platform for original Sri Lankan rock music, topped the list. "And of course Stigmata has been a source of immense support and encouragement to us, right from the start," he added.
All set to play you all of their originals already lined up for the release of their album, Paranoid Earthling will, as always, deliver their signature music, oozing with elements of groove and rock and roll. So come next Saturday, make your way to the Bed Lounge and let your deepest inhibitions be released.