Bangla Band

A Bangla band is any (modern) musical band that performs solely or mainly in the Bengali language and which uses Western principles of music. Mohiner Ghoraguli is widely credited with being the first Bangla Band, though it did not achieve wide recognition in its time. Later, as Western influences became more widespread, the Bangla band became popular with young people during the 1980s and 1990s, both in India and Bangladesh, and has since become entrenched in modern Bengali culture.Bangla bands use a wide variety of styles such as rock, pop, hard rock, heavy metal,grunge, folk, and fusion. Their music is influenced both by popular American music as well as traditional Bengali folk music(Baul).
In the late eighties or early nineties, the average Bengali youth was restless with the farcical socio - political system, the apprehensions of globalization and a sense of alienation.Every initiation, most certainly, is derived from a need - a need to improve the existing state. We were no exception !!! Circa 1990, the music scene in Bengal was a complete contrast to the present one. We had to satisfy ourselves by taking pride in the music composed much before we were born. The youth was unable to identify with the contemporary music of the time and we also experienced the same emotions.Moreover, the average Bengali was not used to the idea of Bangla rock. A very small percentage of the mass would listen to rock music which was essentially in the English language. There was also a severe lack of identification with the local music culture which was only doing English rock music. This led to a sense of dissatisfaction, leaving the youth disoriented and confused.
Some hope had to germinate...
There went the Bangla Rockbaji in full swing ... Cactus , Chandrabindoo, Bhoomi, Parashpathar, Crosswindz, Fossils...and many many more. They gave the bong youth an essense of DEEP PURPLE, PINK FLOYD, LED ZEPPELIN, IRON MAIDEN in their own language.

Did we choose the time or did time choose us? - Cactus (the Bangle Band)

Popular Bangla Bands:

Mohiner Ghuraguli: "Moheener ghoragulo ghash khae Kartik'er jyotsna'r prantorey "

Established in the 1970s, it was one of the pioneers of rock music in the Bengali language, and although it failed to make much of an impact at the time, its music has since gained a wide following in modern-day West Bengal and Bangladesh.Moheener Ghoraguli (or Mohiner Ghoraguli) was formed by a group of Kolkata musicians led by Gautam Chattopadhyay towards the end of 1974. Initially, they called themselves 'Saptarshi', and after dilly-dallying with various names including 'Teerandaz', 'Nogor Shongkeerton' finally settled on the name 'Moheener Ghoraguli' proposed by Ranjon Ghoshal. The name was borrowed from a poem 'Ghora' by Jibanananda Das.

The Work:
1.Shongbigno Pakhikul O Kolkata Bishayak (1977)
2.Ajaana UDonto bostu ba Aw-Oo-Baw (1978)
3.Drishyomaan Moheener Ghoraguli (1978)
4.Aabaar Bochhor Kuri Pore (1995)
5.Jhora Somoyer Gaan (1996)
6.Maya (1997)
7.Khyapar Gaan (1999)
8.Aabaar Bochhor Kuri Pore extended CD re-release (1999)

Band members :

Original lineup:
Gautam Chattopadhyay (Manik a.k.a. Moni-da to his younger siblings) - voice, lead guitar, saxophone, lyrics
Abraham Mazumdar - piano, violin
Pradip "Bula" Chattopadhyay - bass guitar, flute
Ranjon Ghoshal - lyrics, emcee, visuals, media relations
Biswanath "Bishu" Chattopadhyay - drums, bass violin
Tapas "Bapi" Das - voice, guitar
Tapesh "Bhanu" Bandopadhyay - voice, guitar (till 1978)
Later Members:
Raja Banerjee - Guitar (1978 onwards)

In 2006, the original Moheener Ghoraguli song Prithibi ta naki was remade as Bheegi Bheegi by the music-director Pritam Chakrabarty for the Hindi film Gangster which went on to become a chartbuster. The song was sung by Bangladeshi singer James of Nagar Baul fame. Prithibi ta naki was sung by Bonnie who is a founder member of Oikyotaan, a baul fusion band based in Chennai.

Fossils:
Fossils is one of the most popular bangla bands. Fossils music is a blend of blues, hard rock and alternative music.Fossils claim to have been deeply influenced by blues, grunge, hard rock, post-punk etc[1]. This pro rock rock outfit has three albums under its belt from Asha Audio.Their singles Hasnuhana,Ekla Ghar and Bishakta Manush from their first album catapulted them into success.Their famous songs among others also include Aro Ekbar,Bicycle Chor and Acid.

The Work:
1. Fossils (2002)
2. Fossils 2 (2004)
3. Mission F (2006)

Band members :
Bubun: Drums and Percussions
Partha Bose: Lead Guitars
Rupam Islam([2]): Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Songwriter and Composer
Chandra Biswas: Bass, Backing Vocals
Deep Ghosh: Rhythm Guitars, Backing Vocals

Past members:
Alan: Lead GuitarsStephen: DrumsIndra: Keyboards
Parikshit was their previous manager. Now the band is managed by Rupam and Deep.