Odd Signature: A comeback in Pial’s name

How heavy can the absence of a dear friend, or a beloved musician feel? 

For almost a year and a half, the members and fans of the Bangladeshi pop-rock band Odd Signature have perhaps carried that weight in every note and every silence.

The hiatus started in May last year after the band's vocalist, Ahasan Tanvir Pial, tragically died in a road accident on his way to a performance in Sylhet, bringing all group activities to a standstill.

On 14 August, the lights of Dhaka's KIB Auditorium lifted that silence.  A concert titled 'Odd Signature: The Comeback' was the band's first performance since the tragedy, and it was dedicated to the memory of Pial.

The evening opened with tributes from fellow musicians and friends. North So uth University Shangskritik Shangathan (NSUSS), a group of students, performed songs that had been favourites of Pial. Their harmonies carried a warmth that set the tone for the night.

Ashes' vocalist, Zunayed Evan, followed with a few lines from two of his songs and some words for the late artiste and encouragement for the band's future. "We have tried to be by Odd Signature's side for the past year," he told the audience. "We truly wanted them to make a fresh start. I hope their journey continues for a long time. My best wishes to them."

One by one, others took the microphone. 

Yeakin from Dusk N Dawn offered his tribute. Meghdol's Shibu Kumar Shil sang E Hawa in his deep, resonant voice. Shironamhin's Sheikh Ishtiaque performed Ei Obelay and paused to recall, "Just two days before he left us, Pial came to my home. I miss him very much." Each act carried a piece of the night's emotion forward.

When Odd Signature finally stepped onto the stage, there was a visible difference. The familiar energy was there, but something vital was missing – Pial's presence. His favourite white guitar, resting on a stand, was perhaps announcing his everlasting presence as a member. The band members said that it will always be there in every upcoming show they will perform.

However, Neel, the band's new temporary guitarist, stood in for the role Pial had once filled so effortlessly.

The band began with a new track titled Utsober Gaan. The audience responded with enthusiasm – and the set continued with Mondo, Dusshopno, and Hok Abar. After four songs, the music paused for a short question-and-answer (Q&A) session. Fans asked about songs, stories, and the band's journey over the past year.

The band members said that the exchange was much necessary, and it truly brought a sense of closeness between the performers and their listeners.

After the Q&A break, the band performed Jogot Moncho, a recently released track, followed by their most popular song – Amar Dehokhan – which, during the show, they preferred not to perform themselves.

This song, originally sung by Pial, carries the voice of a character speaking their final wishes before leaving the world on their own terms. It was a heavy moment – both for the fans and the band members.

What the band did with the song was that they invited the crowd to sing most of it, taking the lead only in parts. For the members, the emotional weight of performing without Pial showed in the moisture gathering in the corner of their eyes.

The final stretch of the night featured Prostab, Tumio Paro, and Mile Eksathe. The closing number was Ghum, a fan favourite, rounding off a set of around twelve songs. The crowd continued to cheer and sway in front of the stage long after the final notes had faded.

During the concert, the band shared news of an upcoming album. They also revealed a collaboration with the popular cartoonist and content creator Antik Mahmud, who will create a single story weaving together the songs, allowing listeners to experience the music alongside the narratives behind it.

Formed in 2017, Odd Signature quickly won over the youth with their narrative-driven songwriting. The current line-up features Moontasir Rakib, Arnam Amitab, Ektedar Sakin, Tahmid Rayan, Akib Uddin Ahmed, and a new touring guitarist, Neel.