Over the years, there has never been a shortage of Nepali bands. What matters is whether they will stand strong like kings or falter, fade and disappear. For the 18th anniversary, WAVE honours our favourite commercial and underground male rockers in the industry.
1974 AD
Anyone who's acquainted with Nepali music has heard of 1974 AD. This band has received much love and admiration through the years. Even though the band has changed a bit from their original lineup they've still managed to keep their essence. Their songs invoke patriotism with tunes that remind you that 'man ta mero Nepali ho' and beautifully written words that speak of warmth, heartbreak and love.
photos:
umes shrestha, ktm rocks
dipit photography
www.facebook.com/dipitphotography
nitesh mulmi
www.nytesstudio.com
ALBATROSS
Albatross has made quite name for themselves in the last few years. A band that started from a heavy sound, it is fair to say that they've found their niche in the more subtle modern feel of rock. Their hits like 'Khaseka Tara' and 'Timi Bhane' can be found being covered in almost every galli by local musicians. Though comparatively new, Albatross has established themselves strongly with the Nepali music audience.
JINDABAAD!!! is a Kathmandu based Art-rock group, that came together with aspirations of going global. Formed in 2009, the band has released an EP titled 'Plastic Heart', which has become a hugely popular recording in the local scene. The band's popularity can be cemented by the fact that their music video for 'Rewind' has crossed over 140,000 views on youtube.
UNDERSIDE
Underside is a metal band that consists of bassist Manil Shakya whose stage presence and skills with the bass guitar can be described only as divine. Underside managed to carry the spirit of Nepali metal to the Alps and rocked out audiences in Switzerland in what was said to be a wild and totally hardcore tour.
LAKHEY
For an eerie yet enthralling listening experience Lakhey Band is what you want. Not only is their music heavily psychedelic and delicately heavy, they have that Nepali 'oomph' that makes them stand outta the crowd. They turned a lot of heads and sparked many discussions with their first single 'Lakhey'. They're probably the world's only Newari metal band.
GARUDH
Garudh is a 'satanic black metal' band from Kathmandu influenced by Norwegian black metal bands like Mayhem, Immortal, Satyricon, Emperor, Dimmu Borgir , Marduk, Darkthrone and others. The band has been playing since 2006.
WHITE
White is a rock band from Kathmandu which plays a unique blend of rock, metal, groove with songs centered on the themes of sex, drugs and rock n' roll. White has a gained a substantial fan following lately due to their unique sound and amazing stage performance.
COBWEB
Cobweb started off with 'Anjaan' in 1993 and introduced a hard rock feel to Nepali music. Cobweb has been credited for being the pillar that keeps the mainstream rock of Nepal up. Probably one of our oldest bands around, age has done nothing to slow these guys down. You can see members of Cobweb rocking out in the city regularly.
