Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

So what rocks more?

Classic rock versus modern rock debates are hot amongst music buffs

SEMINAL MUSICIANS Pink Floyd influenced an entire generation

On one hand you have Pink Floyd and Guns 'n' Roses, and on the other side of the ring are bands like Linkin' Park, Creed and P.O.D. Which team reigns supreme has been a continuing debate among music critics, particularly rock and metal enthusiasts. While some say rock is dying, others feel it has been reborn in a more up-to-date avatar called modern rock.

MetroPlus did a reality check, and here are the results.

According to Shreya, an HR consultant: "I swear by modern rock. Rock of the older generation is too heavy on your ears, and more importantly on your mind. The themes are complex, and too taxing on the brain. After a tiring day, I need music to relax, but energise me at the same time. I resort to a Linkin' Park track, even a Coldplay number, or sometimes my favourite Papa Roach track to end my day." And what does she have to say about rock becoming highly electronic, and predictable? "I would love to listen to songs that incorporate modern sounds, be it electronic, or anything else for that matter. And modern rock is catchy, and I would love to occasionally shake a leg to it on the dance floor," she explains.

But when we asked Siddharth, the lead guitarist of the upcoming rock band Adya, this is what he had to say: "The biggest reason why modern rock is nowhere close to classic rock is because of the theme. These days, we only hear songs that speak of lost love, relationships, and other topics, that are frivolous in comparison to the more mature, and thoughtful aspects of life." He adds: "Classic rock speaks of conflicts among mankind, and how they could be resolved, and even conflicts within the human mind. These songs make you sit up, think and introspect."

Adhiraj, the vocalist of the band, adds: "Classic rock made you think. If you were a hardcore fan of rock, you could relate to the musician's state of mind. There have been numerous instances where I have heard a song, and sat up in the middle of the night thinking what hell he must have gone through to write such a song."

How have things changed in terms of the music, and instruments? Vinay, the bass guitarist, offers: "Modern rock is very predictable. Most bands follow a very basic rhythm structure, while classic rock tracks improvised a lot. Each song is different from the other, especially in terms of its musical structure. Whenever we sit down and jam as a band to create music, we always try to dissect the rhythm structure of older songs, and that in itself is a great learning experience."

The verdict seems to be more or less clear. Though modern rock albums are raking in the moolah, Rock fans still swear by the gods of classic rock. Peace.

A. VISHNU

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail