The second episode of Pepsi Battle of the Bands season four opened with our host Hina Altaf introducing the Pepsi Battle of the Bands season two winner Kashmir. The band highly praised the Pepsi Battle of the Bands for helping them pursue music as a full-time career. To the new contestants and jury’s delight, they also performed their song “Bhago”.

After Kashmir’s stunning performance, the auditions continued. As we have seen several familiar names try their luck again this season, season two participants E-Sharp also made an appearance. This time, however, with two fresh inclusions in the group and a singular focus to win it all. Performing the track ‘Shabana’, E-Sharp hit sharp notes and won the jury with their carefree sound and vibes. So much so that Meesha Shafi and Fawad Khan not only gave them a standing ovation, but instead of short-listing them, they selected them for the 12 finalists from the auditions – something that has never happened in the history of the show. What a comeback!

With band members coming from a variety of backgrounds having different taste in music, the band Uraan’s performance reflects that diversity. The band, which has been together for the last three years, performed a pop song called ‘Khamoshi’ and impressed the judges enough to be shortlisted.

Next up was ‘Marjaan’, the band whose vocalist appeared in season two as part of the band Khamaaj. One might remember him from the viral hit Bezubaan. Marjaan, not unlike others, seemed motivated to lock in their name among the finalists and offered a very “authentic” performance on the track ‘Jalleya’, according to the jury, and were shortlisted.

Black Hour’s sound draws inspiration from the hard rock riffs and beats of Guns N’ Roses. The 10-year-old band’s strength comes from playing together for so long and that chemistry can be seen on-stage. They performed an original called ‘Daulat’, which incorporated lyrics in the band’s native tongue Pothwari. The organic quality and clarity of direction and purpose pushed the band to the next round.

At the end of the auditions, the jury contemplated who belonged in the top contenders list. Then, it was time. After much deliberation, the judges decided that the top 12 bands to compete for the title of the Pepsi Battle of the Bands season four winner were:

E-Sharp

Seismic Tremors

Marjaan

Neon

Star Zone

Auj

Uraan

Aarish

Skehlaaj

Black Hour

Jhoot

Mousiqa