Ready to rock

Although local rock band 12th Ode will officially celebrate its first anniversary in July, its line-up features musicians who have been prominently active in the Maltese music scene for many years.

Vocalist Daryl Ebejer for example, has fronted many bands over the years, among them Ent’ract, Purple Haze and Kartridge, while drummer Wenzu Baldacchino has previously played with Rough Rider, Purple Haze and Fire. The rest of the band features ex-Dockstock Band bassist Henry Portelli and guitarists Jeremy Xuereb and Daryl Portelli.

The band’s emergence was initially low-key, with just one gig performed during its first few months of existence. Its profile has risen considerably since Ebejer joined in December, and since then they have played several gigs.

12th Ode will perform in the first round of Rock The Fest at Hard Rock café in Bay Street on Thursday, in which bands will compete for a slot on the rock stage at this year’s Beer Festival in Ta’ Qali.

The following week, 12th Ode will share the stage at V-Gen in Paceville with Colourblind for a night that should appeal to all those with classic and progressive rock at heart. For more information, look up 12th Ode or Colourblind on Facebook.