Daily Times

The second of Pepsi Battle of the Bands season four opened with host Hina Altaf introducing the Pepsi Battle of the Bands season two winner Kashmir. The band highly praised the Pepsi Battle of the Bands for helping them pursue music as a full-time career. To the new contestants and jury’s delight, they also performed their song “Bhago”.

After Kashmir’s stunning performance, the auditions continued. As we have seen several familiar names try their luck again this season, season two participants E-Sharp also made an appearance. This time, however, with two fresh inclusions in the group and a singular focus to win it all. Performing the track ‘Shabana’, E-Sharp hit sharp notes and won the jury with their carefree sound and vibes. So much so that Meesha Shafi and Fawad Khan not only gave them a standing ovation, but instead of short-listing them, they also them straight to the final 12 from the auditions – something that has never happened in the history of the show. What a comeback!

With band members coming from a variety of backgrounds having different taste in music, the band Uraan’s performance reflects the diversity. The band, which has been together for the last three years, performed a pop song called ‘Khamoshi’ and impressed the judges enough to be shortlisted.

Next up was ‘Marjaan’, the band whose vocalist appeared in season two as part of the band Khamaaj. One might remember him from the viral hit Bezubaan. Marjaan, not unlike others, seemed motivated to lock in their name among the finalists and offered a very “authentic” performance on the track ‘Jalleya’, according to the jury, and were shortlisted.

Black Hour’s sound draws inspiration from the hard rock riffs and chest-thumping beats of Guns N’ Roses. The 10-year-old band’s strength comes from experience playing together for so long and therefore have great chemistry on-stage. They performed an original called ‘Daulat’, which incorporated lyrics in the band’s native tongue Pothwari. The organic quality and clarity of direction and purpose pushed the band to the next round.

At the end of the auditions, the jury contemplated who belongs in the top contenders list. Then, it was time. After a lengthy deliberation, the judges decided that the top 12 bands to compete for the title of the Pepsi Battle of the Bands season four winner are E-Sharp, Seismic Tremors, Marjaan, Neon, Star Zone, Auj, Uraan, Aarish, Skehlaaj, Black Hour, Jhoot and Mousiqa.