Whipping up a storm

The first gig in a series devoted to live adult contemporary music will be on at the Zetter on December 8 of this month, from 8 pm onwards. Beginning in December and going on into February, the series Monsoon Sunday will feature some of Sri Lanka's most popular bands and will culminate in the release of a new album by 10 Second Rule titled 'Monsoon Sunday 3: After the Rain.' Though it won't be acoustic, you can expect the music itself to make for a relaxed listening experience, say the organisers.

Here's a quick-peek into the profiles of the five bands on the roster… Hollowpoint Halo – A band that has revolutionised the Sri Lankan live music industry by introducing novel concepts of musical arrangement and delivery. Propped by a pool of vastly talented folk, HPH has enjoyed success with songs such as “Sacred Ordinary,” “Black Eyed Lullaby” and their latest hit, “Lost Vegas Star.”

10 Second Rule - The new reincarnation of the wildly popular "The Brass Monkey Band." Aadhil with his distinctive vocals and rhythm guitar style, Aftab with his catchy lead guitar melodies, the talented bassist Uvindu from Thriloka, former Brass Monkey Ravihansa on Tabla and Afro-Caribbean percussion, and Jim Sykes – a fantastic American Drummer, currently researching into the roots of Sri Lankan music for his PhD, make the line up. Their new album to be titled 'Monsoon Sunday 3: After the Rain' derives its inspiration from the wake of destruction left behind by the tsunami, and its consequences, the album promises to be upbeat and uplifting, whilst infusing funk, blues, jazz, alternative rock, ethnic drums and even baila into its songs!

Anil Balasuriya – An avid promoter of original Sri Lankan music, has been in the forefront of the local music industry. The former front man of the ever popular Independence Square, his solo album 'The Last Few Pieces of April' received rave reviews and is a favourite amongst alternative music fans. With a sound that is a mix between Matchbox 20 and the Counting crows, Anil is definitely a crowd favourite at all gigs.

Surface to Air Missiles (S.A.M.) – big hit at TNL Onstage this year and a great find for the local alternative music scene. The band enjoys playing reggae, alternative, jazz, acoustic and a bit of rock as well. The main idea behind the band is to promote old school music and blues in Sri Lanka. With a sound that couples the easy listening style of John Mayer with the pumped up energy of the Arctic Monkeys, this band is nothing short of pure entertainment.

Cynosure – Been around for close to 3 years, is well known for their alternative, slow rock sound. Finalists at TNL Onstage in 2005 and 2006, the band released their first original "On a Road" to great reviews, and received lots of airplay on the local radio stations. Currently, the band in the process of creating an (EP), which will comprise of 4 songs – composed and written by them.

Tickets, priced at Rs.800/- for a couple and Rs.500/- for an individual, will be available at the gate at the Zetter (the old Tabu building) on December 8.