AVIAL-The Rock Band of Kerala

AVIAL "Politically-aware and ideologically driven", that’s how Rave, one of India’s top music magazines, described Malayali rock band Avial in its October 2006 issue.

Avial depicts the social scene of Kerala and the common man residing there about a hundred years back. The plight of farmers whose hard-earned crop was seized by the local landlords is clearly portrayed. The music also consists of folk songs that were predominantly sung by the workers in the paddy fields. This unlike the other majority of the conventional rock bands, is a new trend.
Avial has devised its own flavour of music, which the band members refer to as "Alternative Malayali Rock", that reflects the one of a kind heritage of Kerala life. Malayalam lyrics are used in their rock songs so perfectly that it hardly ever sounds awkward. The band's maiden album has excellent instrumental play, brilliant singing, and lyrics which are beautiful and poignant at the same time. The album received generally positive response from rock enthusiasts in India, especially the youth.
So far they have been doing mostly live shows. Most of the performances were in major cities like Cochin (Ernakulam), Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and so on. Shows were also held internationally in places like Dubai and Mauritius. They are honored to have performed at the Sakifo (Reunion) World Music Festival held in Mauritius that brought together 40 rock bands from across the world. Avial were the lone band to be selected from India to represent the country in the festival. The experience was special since the crowd was multinational, mostly French. Impressed with their music, the popular Italian band “A 67” approached them to be a part of one of their forthcoming album, ‘Suburb’, its one song collaboration.
Popular record label Phat Phish Records along with renowned musician AR Rahman were hosting a reality show for rock bands. Avial were invited to perform at their opening press meet. And during the press meet, Rahman singled out the band and expressed his interest in their unique style of music that blended folklore and urban rock sensibly. The “Rock On” humanity concert was indeed a great experience for the band. The concert was primarily a fund-raiser for the victims affected by the Bihar floods. Farhan Akhtar, known director-actor in the Hindi film industry spearheaded the concert. Avial was the only band to be invited from Kerala.
At the Jack Daniels Annual Rock Awards 08-09, Avial walked away the winner bagging six awards – Song of the year, Album of the year and Band of the year in both the popular choice and critics award categories.
BAND MEMBERS:>>>>
Anandraj Benjamin Paul -- VocalsTony John -- Vocals, Turntables and SynthRex Vijayan -- Guitars and SynthNaresh Kamath -- BassMithun Puthanveetil --Drumsofficial avial myspacehttp://www.myspace.com/avialmusic
Also available their videos through YOUTUBE