Beyond the Ordinary: Raincheck — Where music reigned the night

We've all seen that viral reel of Goo Goo Dolls' 'Iris' performed in a downpour, the crowd belting along while soaking wet. So when Karkhana and Let's Vibe announced 'Beyond the Ordinary: Raincheck', leaning into the forecast of rain, that's exactly the kind of moment I expected to witness.

While travelling to Courtside in Madani Avenue, the sky was full of heavy dark clouds, as if waiting for the right time to unleash a fresh bout of rain. A memorable night was in the works, or so it seemed. Alas, as the night rolled around, the clouds decided to keep to themselves, saving the heavy showers for another day. 

This must have come as a surprise to the crowd gathered at the venue, attending the concert, 'Beyond the Ordinary: Raincheck'. Organised by Let's Vibe and Karkhana, the event was intentionally organised on a day with a high chance of rain, so attendants could enjoy music under the stormy sky–making the best of the monsoon season. 

The concert featured beloved bands including Level Five, Firoze Jong, Shuvro and EIDA. The performers had also been fully prepared to introduce you to an evening of music perfectly fit for the monsoon showers. Even if the rain did not show up to the extent we thought it would, each performance still brought in the monsoon mood.

The concert itself was situated in the open grounds of Courtside, with stalls spread throughout the location. This helped ease the crowd from around the stage, creating a less chaotic experience, which concerts are associated with nowadays. It truly allowed you to soak in the music with your loved ones peacefully. 

The evening kicked off with EIDA—a band synonymous with stellar sound and top-notch production—and they proved they lose none of that polish on stage. Fittingly, a light drizzle made its first appearance during their performance of 'Butterflies', and the audience enjoyed every bit of the ambience dressed in the disposable raincoats provided by the organisers. 

EIDA had a surprise up their sleeves too: midway through their set, they broke into a cover of Arekta Rock Band's 'Chaap', inviting ARB's guitarist, Ifaz Abrar Reza, onstage for the guitar solo—a brief but impactful guest appearance. They closed their set with 'Nightdrover', their debut release and arguably their most beloved track

Shuvro followed right after, performing one hit after another. It wasn't until he took the mic and the familiar notes to 'Majhe Majhe Tobo Dekha Pai' started to play, that the crowd decided to wake up from their slumber. 

The whole crowd came together, singing along to his covers of 'Shonar Moinar Pakhi', 'Boka Premik', and 'Tomar Jonno'.

Shuvro's eight-song segment went by like a breeze with his charming and humorous crowdwork.

Firoze Jong took the mic soon afterwards, and their electric energy was contagious. 

Each member's performance was so full of energy, compelling all eyes to stay on them as they performed. While their music is popular among the young generation, the spectacular performance from the lead guitarist had everyone hooked. 

The band of musicians did not just share the stage–they shared the spotlight. They allowed each artiste to have their moment with their upbeat, groovy music. From guitar to piano solos, 

From the guitar solos to the piano solos, it was enthralling to listen to, even when the crowd was unfamiliar with a few of the songs.

They, however, kept the best for the last. I have loved the song 'Beatles' ever since it was released two years back. 

This rendition of the Beatles was a collaboration between Level Five and Firoze Jong. Level Five breathed new life into the song, adding a beautiful, soft twist to it.

The most-awaited song, 'Half Glass Carew' was kept for last. At that very moment, the sky decided it was time and let out a light drizzle. Good music and a light shower–that was all the crowd needed to go wild. The moment was truly electrifying as the sky dimmed, smoke blanketed the crowd, and everyone on stage began to dance. 

Level Five returned to the stage for the final act of the night, and the crowd was more than ready. With hits like 'Room No. 17', and 'Shotto Mithey', the audience went through a whole range of emotions–thanks to the perfect synergy of the band and the songs they delivered. 

However, I don't think anything could have prepared the audience for the emotional moment when they dedicated 'Obosheshe' to AK Ratul, with his brother Rahul joining the stage.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Bangladesh's niche music scene is the close-knit bond among the community and the deep admiration they share—a sentiment that was on full display as the tribute to the recently departed artist brought everyone to a standstill

For the finale, the band performed 'Tumi', and Firoze Jong joined them on stage. Even with such a strong collaboration, the song fell flat. But leave it up to the crowd to make the moment memorable as they sang along to the very end.