Pepsi Battle of the Bands - Season 3 Episode 1 Review

By Hamza Shafique (Instagram / Facebook)

Pepsi’s answer to Coke Studio, “Pepsi Battle of the Bands” started July 15^th and the first episode was a blast. Everything, from production quality to flow of the episode, from judges comment to quality of music, was spot on brilliant and of standards one expects from a quality show. Pakistan desperately needed a talent hunt show of this caliber and with lucrative prize money of 50 Lacs plus royality, record and concert all over Pakistan deal it has become one of the biggest show of all times. 

Few things that this show got right are as follows :

1- They didnot show in detail the bands which were not good and  consequently the negative remarks from the judges like most talent shows , where shows rely on such auditions for ratings and entertainment. Instead they showed quickly a summary around it.

2- There was less drama that usually is added from contestants personal lives to gain audience sympathy. 

3- Editing and flow of the episode was crisp and focused more on music rather than forced interactions and animations

Suggestions:

Bands thrive on the concert culture and hence there is a need to have some sort of live audience to be incorporated in the show. Also live show format with host that interacts will be more preferred as currently show seemed to have a very coke studioish vibe.

Top 3 from Episode:

1-Dhool with Nukta:

Amazing voice quality with range. Reminded me of my favorite band from season 2 Badnaam. Spirituality echoed from the stage and their original Nukta was soulful. I am not an expert but the guitar and drum play was spot on and blended well yet stood out where ever required. It's on repeat in my playlist since it came out. 

2-Xarb with Tashnagi:

A perfect selection by the show creators to start the season. The whole arrangement of this cover was mesmerizing. Impressive vocals and the whole band had a very mature composed attitude that was also visible in their composition. They just need to loosen up a little bit and try to have more fun on stage especially their lead vocalist.

3-Aag with Jahil:

What a power packed performance, just two individuals with great music sense caused havoc on the stage. As an audience/listener I could feel their energy translating from the screen. The only band where it wasnt about the vocalist but the whole arrangement was the highlight.