Good food, great music and high spirts. This was the mood at Opus when ‘Pentagram’, considered as one of the country’s pioneers in independent music, enthralled the audience with its heavy beats. Opus is roping in artistes who have performed there over the last decade to play for its tenth anniversary celebrations.
The members of the band include Vishal Dadlani on vocals, Randolph Correa on guitars, Papal Mane on bass and Rahul Hariharan on drums. Although there was a different drummer for the performance, the band was at its energetic best.
“We haven’t had a change in the line-up. It’s just that the original drummer was tied down and couldn’t make it to the event today. We’ve been tolerant of each other and are fortunate to still play as the same team,” clarified Randoph. He added, “We can’t wait to get on stage. We’re just so excited.”
The band which performs four to five times a year in Bangalore said it loves the energy here.
“We perform here as often as we can. We just love it here,” said Vishal.
Some of the tracks that were played included ‘Ten’, ‘Animal’, ‘Electric’, ‘Nocturne’, ‘Desire’, ‘Voice’ and ‘Tomorrow’s Decided’ among others.
Carlton Braganza, who runs Opus, said, “As part of the anniversary celebrations, we’ve got some of the biggest bands and performers. All of them have performed on this stage over the last ten years. I remember ‘Pentagram’ performing here five or six years ago.” He added, “We’re always trying to innovate and be different, which is the biggest challenge these days. What we can learn from the band is a lesson in longevity.”
The band members were in their complete element and ensured that the audience swayed along with them.
“They were absolutely fabulous. I just wish they wouldn’t stop!” exclaimed Varun, a member of the audience excitedly as he headbanged to the beats. “It’s a killer vibe with great music,” exclaimed Aditya R, another member of the audience. He added, “I come here just for the music. You don’t get this anywhere else in the City. I’m here chilling with my friends.”
Similar was the reaction from Ajmal. “I’m here after a long week at work. There’s nothing better than listening to this kind of music. But I think this genre has a niche audience. But for those who enjoy it, they are the best.”