A nd they’re back! Having been off the radar for over a year, Wagon Park is back and rocking Colombo. In their absence questions arose as to whether Wagon Park, an Onstage 2007 finalist, had split up, but that’s far from what the band had in mind.
So why was the band on a one year hiatus? A sailor by profession, their lead guitarist Milinda Batuwanthudawe (Milo) had to take a year off for his seafaring adventures, the rest of the band decided to stalwartly wait his return. Besides doing what they do best - chilling out, the band had been working on their first album that is expected to be released in the coming months. Just 2 months since his return, the album is almost complete and the band has gigs lined up- making their presence known.
The upcoming album is to be titled ‘Stoned’ and will include their most popular song “Jingy Bing Blues” that according to Milo “started it all for the band.” The other 9 tracks will be diverse in terms of lyrics, from meaningful to nonsense, while retaining their signature classic rock sound. “The album contains a variety of songs. There are songs that are completely in Sinhala, in Sinhala and English, and even one that’s in Divehi and English,” shares Milo.
“The album is a cross range of human emotions. It has a dancy, rock and roll and bluesy feel. Most of the lyrics have a specific meaning that people will be able to relate to,” says producer and PR manager of the band Amrik Wilson. Describing the sort of music Wagon Park plays he says, “The band specializes in classic rock which in the 80’s it was known as heavy metal. They have a wide range of influences such as The Doors, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Bob Dylan. The sound has universal appeal and can be appreciated by teens as well as those who were in their teens in the 80’s.” “Our music appeals to even the most senior listeners like my grandma,” grins Milo.
Speaking about one of their most unique songs, a Divehi and English mix, lead vocalist for the band, Buddhima De Mel, says “only the bassist, Firash, knows what the lyrics mean since he wrote the song. He taught me how to pronounce the words when singing it.” “If you want deep meaningful lyrics you won’t find it in this song. It’s a nonsense song, but it sounds good and makes you want to get on your feet and start dancing,” adds Amrik.
Wagon Park may consist of 6 nonchalant members but when it comes to music they are quite the opposite. Amrik describes the band as, “an extremely talented bunch of self taught musicians.”
A few of their new songs will be played at the concert Wagon Park is organising for August 30 at Shine, which will give eager fans a sneak preview of the album. Tickets will be priced at Rs. 400/- with entrance free for ladies. More information about the concert and the band can be found at www.wagonpark.com, as well as their facebook fan page and twitter.
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