Live: The Supersonics @ Hard Rock

I have not been this impressed by a new Indian band’s music since The Superfuzz (now known as Indigo Children). The Supersonics played a full set of original music at the Hard Rock Cafe last night to a Tuesday night crowd of not more than 50 people, and thoroughly engaged.

The Supersonics haven’t really ‘broken’ the scene yet, and frankly, it’s a surprise that they aren’t talked about in the same breath as Indigo Children (formerly known as The Superfuzz). The foursome from Kolkata have a refreshing sound and some exciting original music, and if you’re still at home tonight, you should head to the Blue Frog to watch them there.

Head downstairs for the full review, pics and the Indiecision.

Surprisingly, the gig started nearly on time, even though Hard Rock Cafe was only about half full (no problem getting a table, and the silence between songs meant that people who’d had too much too drink sounded loud and stupid). Also surprising was the sound at the venue which was far better than most of the gigs that happen there.

The Supersonics’ sound is a mix of early-’90s Britpop and mid-’00s Brit rock. Think Oasis meets Pulp meets Blur meets Franz Ferdinand meets The Wombats (equals The Strokes with Paul Thomson on drums). Rhythm heavy melodies with mid-song tempo changes and a driving bass line all combined to create one of the most refreshing live sounds of the year so far.

Ananda Sen on vocals puts on a baritone that’s definitely not his natural voice, but fits perfectly with the music his band plays. He’s not very talkative as a vocalist, but as with the rest of the band, seems to enjoy being on stage. Particular props to Rohan Ganguli (guitar) whose backing vocals, which should’ve been mixed just a little higher, added a ‘fullness’ to the band’s sound.

The band didn’t introduce most of their songs (something that Indian bands need to do) but I do know they played ‘In Memory Of’ (on their MySpace), ‘Hey Aloha’ and ‘Yeah Whatever’. They played over 20 thoroughly entertaining originals, and it’s surprising they don’t have any published material out. The sound didn’t falter the entire set (apart from a few seconds of feedback near the end) and neither did the band. The only reason they don’t get an A is that after about an hour, the songs got a wee bit repetitive. Still, they threw in enough to leave the few at the venue satisfied.

Maby Baking, their debut album, is one of the few Indian releases I’m really looking forward to.

Indiecision: A-