What happens when a band of musician friends come together after a decade-long break? They jam, create music and launch a much-awaited album. Bangla rock band Lakkhichhara released its sixth studio album, aptly titled Ek Doshok Por (Cozmik Harmony), after a 10-year hiatus from the music scene — a perfect gift to fans in the run-up to World Music Day, which is celebrated on June 21.
Giving the audience a sneak peek
The bonhomie among band members — Rajiv Mitra (vocals), Gaurab Chatterjee aka Gaboo (drums/vocals), Debaditya Chaudhury (keyboards), Sanket Bhattacharya popularly known as Panku (bass), Bodhisattwa Ghosh (guitar/vocals), John Paul (guitars/vocals) and Anirban Bob Mazumder (lyrics) — was evident as musician Debojyoti Mishra and singer Rupankar Bagchi unveiled a commemorative poster of the album.
Lakkhichhara’s Debaditya Chaudhury said keeping in mind the changing times, their offering was a response to the fans’ new demands as well as a throwback to the bygone decade when music albums ruled. Featuring four songs titled Ghete jacche shob, Ekhane bigyapon mariben na, Padabi and Upohaar, Ek Doshok Por appears all set to reinstate the band on the city's music scene. A music video of the song Ghete jacche shob was also released.
Lakkichhara began its journey in 1999 with appearances at college fests, hotels, and pubs. In 2001, the band recorded its debut album, which featured major hits like Care korina and Shudhu chai tomay that went on to become huge hits. Their second album Jibon Chaichhe Aro Besi came in 2003, followed by the band’s biggest hit Eka in 2005.
Speaking to My Kolkata, Gaurab Chatterjee aka Gaboo said, “We have all grown with time and perspectives do change. The mindset and outlook we had in 2012 when our last album was released has changed and the team, too, has new members. The new members have brought in a fresh and modern approach but in keeping with our principles, we have always believed in team effort. Thus, our product is the outcome of the entire team’s efforts, desires and creative talent and certainly not any individual’s personal effort. The positive thing is that the product is the involvement of all while the negative aspect is that a lot more time goes into each creation. Of course, the process can be speeded up but I think this way it works better for us.”
The band members pose for a photograph outside 'Chapter 2'
“As far as media and the visual medium is concerned, the Bangla rock scene is facing an acute dearth of patronage and support. The internet is perhaps the only option for us. More support would boost not only Bangla rock but the creations of all of those who aren’t attached with films to find a broader audience. Good work is happening but nowadays you have to search for it whereas earlier, music and numbers reached you a lot more simply,” Chatterjee said.
Echoing similar sentiments, band member Debaditya Chaudhury said, “The craving for Bangla rock was never on the wane, however, every generation has its own demands. We hope to be able to reclaim the support and appreciation of all those who made us what we are. We also hope to create a niche among new listeners and patrons. The right content which appears to be lacking is what we must address and we feel that if we are able to deliver, the Bangla band culture will simply rock."
A glimpse of the stage with the poster of 'Ek Doshok Por'
Chaudhary, who is also a food entrepreneur and the founder of Chowman, Oudh 1590 and Chapter 2, said he found both roles equally challenging and satisfying but "I remain a music guy to the core and would love only that identity to reign supreme in my life”.
The album launch was attended by the who's who of the Bengali music industry, including Rupankar Bagchi, Anupam Roy, Abhijit Barman aka ‘Pota’ and Silajit Majumdar at his jovial best and a host of other stalwarts made the event memorable.