I have a confession to make: I actively, deliberately avoid noise. I prefer the quiet hum of a coffee shop, the low volume of a podcast, or frankly, the blessed silence of my own home
So, when the invite came for an indoor rock concert—a full-throttle, electric performance by a local band—my immediate instinct was to feel deeply hesitant about attending. But this night, at By Chance on Brigade Road, Bangalore, had a very specific, personal purpose: I was invited by an ex-co-worker and their son, who was performing that night. If the invitation had come from anyone else, I would have politely excused myself from attending. This personal connection provided the powerful lure I couldn't resist: the promise of a local band named Spade Pirates sinking their teeth into the legendary grunge anthems of Nirvana
My goal was singular: to hear that familiar, raw sound, to rock out to a song that defined my past. The environment, however, was everything I usually run from. The air was thick with expectation, the low ceiling seemed to intensify the gathering crowd's chatter, and I knew that once the amps went up, the noise level would be, well, loud. Yet, sometimes, purpose is a powerful motivator, and for this one night, I was prepared to embrace the noise for the sake of Kurt Cobain’s musical legacy. What I didn't anticipate was that I would be completely captivated, not by nostalgia, but by pure, unadulterated live talent, even when they didn't play a single song I recognized
The venue, By Chance, located in the bustling heart of Brigade Road, is exactly the kind of place that embodies Bangalore's vibrant, youthful nightlife—packed, energetic, and slightly chaotic. It’s a fantastic setup for live music, with a cosy, indoor space that places the audience right in front of the artists. It’s an intimate setting where you can truly feel the reverberation of the bass in your chest. The stage was set simply, dominated by a drum kit, a couple of guitar stands, and the instruments that would soon fill the room with raw energy
The night began with independent artist Natauku, a solo performer whose presence was a quiet contrast to the rock storm that was brewing. Armed with nothing but her ukulele and a genuinely captivating voice, she delivered a set of her original songs. There is a purity in solo performance that demands attention. Without the layered security of a full band, the artist's skill and song writing must stand on their own. Her music was soulful and original, creating a beautiful, acoustic calm before the ensuing high-decibel act. It was a gentle, unexpected opening that grounded the room and set a high bar for musical authenticity. It was a lovely, warm welcome to a night of varied artistic expression, and it made the anticipation for the main event build even higher
Finally, the stage was set for Spade Pirates. They are a three-member band, a lean machine of rock and roll power, and despite the crowd and the venue noise, they immediately commanded the room. The personal connection—the son of my ex-co-worker—added a layer of proud observation to my experience, watching a young man I’ve known peripherally on a stage, pouring his energy into music
My entire reason for being there was a Nirvana cover set, but as the band launched into their performance, song after song, I realised that they weren't playing the Nirvana I knew. They were playing deep cuts, B-sides, and perhaps even some originals—songs that were completely unfamiliar to me. My initial mission—to rock out to "Smells Like Teen Spirit" or "Come As You Are"—was failing. I kept waiting, anticipating that familiar riff, but it never arrived
In a normal scenario, this would have been the moment I checked my watch, felt disappointment creep in, and considered making my exit back to my quieter life. But this night was different. The performance of Spade Pirates was simply too good to resist
The three members of Spade Pirates have a chemistry and a musical skill level that transcends familiarity. The drummer was a powerhouse, his energy relentless and precise, driving the entire performance forward like a metronome possessed by a demon. The bassist was a joy to watch, delivering complex, rhythmic lines that formed the backbone of the music, anchoring the chaos of the guitar. And the guitarist/vocalist was magnetic. His guitar work was sharp, his solos searing, and his voice carried the raw, impassioned edge that makes rock music truly resonate
It was the very unfamiliarity of the songs that became the greatest strength of the performance. Without a reference point, I was forced to listen purely to the music itself: the structure, the rhythm, the unexpected key changes, and the sheer volume of sound they produced. They weren’t playing a tribute; they were channeling a genre. It was loud, intense, and completely immersive. The music was a physical force, washing over me and forcing me to stop analyzing and simply experience. This is the hallmark of a truly great live band—their performance makes you forget everything else. You forget your initial goals, your desire for quiet, and your need for familiarity. You just listen. I found myself sinking into the rhythm, nodding my head, and just taking in the energy radiating from the stage
This night was a perfect microcosm of life: you go in with a specific expectation (Nirvana covers), but you leave with a much richer, unexpected experience (the discovery of Spade Pirates' phenomenal original style). I went to listen to the ghosts of grunge past and instead found myself rocking out to the vibrant, undeniable future of the local Bangalore music scene. It was loud, chaotic, expensive, and absolutely glorious. I left the venue with my ears ringing and my heart pounding, utterly convinced that sometimes, the best things in life are the unexpected detours that pull you outside your comfort zone
What are your thoughts on embracing the noise for the sake of great live music! Have you ever had a local band completely change your musical expectations! I'd love to read your comments and hear about your unexpected musical discoveries! And if you enjoyed reading this, perhaps you'd consider buying me a coffee!
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