Xarb, Bayaan fight it out one last time

Episode seven of ‘Pepsi Battle of the Bands’ saw the two finalists bring their A-game for the winner’s title

KARACHI: After over a month of performances, eliminations and danger zone visits, we finally got the top two finalists of Pepsi Battle of the Bands (BoB) season three. Saturday’s episode saw the competition between Xarb and Bayaan reach new heights as both put their best feet forward for the much coveted title.

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While voting began on Saturday (and will end on Thursday, around midnight), the battle has turned into war. But before the bands took the stage, we saw Badnaam – one of the finalists from last season – return with a performance of Dastaan-e-Faqeer. It went on to express their gratitude for BoB, which has made them so popular.


Bayaan spoke of its tumultuous journey where in one episode, it was on top, and in the other, barely made it through. Funnily enough, the band has been in the danger zone three times and still made it to the top. It’s evident that’s helped it stay sharp and learn from the experience. Even the judges were of the opinion that, after the unpredictable climb into the finals, Bayaan finally sounds complete and coherent.

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Xarb was the first band to audition this season. The bandmates admitted they thought people had forgotten about them but snuck their way up to the top, having been in the danger zone only once. The jury said they are consistent and had all the potential in the world.

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As the bands were to perform mash-ups in the first round, Bayaan went with Aaj Bazaar by Nayyara Noor and Ali Azmat’s Na Re Na, while Xarb’s chose Persian kalaam Manam Mehve by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Abida Parveen’s Main Naraye. The judges were all praises for both, with Faisal Kapadia even claiming Bayaan had performed like professionals.


When Meesha Shafi asked Xarb vocalist Qamar about Manam Mehve, he admitted he didn’t know Persian but had been listening to the kalaam for a long time. He said it is about one’s spiritual journey as he defies societal norms. Shafi praised him for capturing the essence in his singing, despite not speaking or understanding Persian. Bilal Maqsood compared Qamar’s vocals to those of the legendary Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi.


The finalists performed originals in the next round. Bayaan came up first with the soulful Paani aur Mitti – a ballad drummer Mansoor wrote the lyrics of. The jury appreciated the composition and said it is looking forward to more originals, now that the band is part of the music industry.


Xarb performed Umeed. Maqsood said the music had blues and country influences while the front man and vocalist’s voice brought a desi folk touch – a fusion he’d like to see improve in the future.


Episode seven ended with a special appearance by Aaroh – winners of Pepsi Battle of the Bands season one – performing Ik Chah. As season three comes to a close this Saturday, we shall see either Xarb or Bayaan being crowned the winners. May the best band win!


Watch the episode here:


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