MUSIC » POWER OF POP: Music, Film, Comics & Book Reviews

MUM, WAVVES & SHELVES – LIVE AT ZOUK [REVIEW]

Jun 172013

Mum by Dawn CHUA

It ain’t rock n’ roll.

Well, for most part (two-thirds) this oddly curated gig featured the loud, brash, melody-driven indie rock that I personally get my rocks off to completely. And whereas the likes of Shelves and Wavves had whipped up the crowd into a frenzy of sorts, Icelandic experimental outfit Mum duly engineered a totally different mood and tone. Minimalist, arty-farty, esoteric and pretentious, it left some members of the audience scratching their heads (figuratively, of course) though for the diehards, it was manna from heaven.

Wavves by Dawn CHUA

Now, believe me, I have sufficient knowledge to be able to understand where Mum was coming from, artistically and creatively but that merely reaches out to my head and not my groin. No such problem with Wavves who plunged headlong into punky no-wave feedback-drenched bubblegum ditties with a vengeance that compelled many a audience member to mosh and headbang. Short, sharp and sweet songs that needed no artful explanation to comprehend.

Shelves by Dawn CHUA

Shelves, as always, ever dependable to provide the sugar and the beat, Noel Yeo animated as usual, fronting the band with geeky abandon and it is indeed encouraging to see new lead guitarist Daryl Peh getting into the groove, whilst the reliable rhythm section of Robin Chua and Brian Leery lock down the ever important pulse.

A curiously eclectic lineup that challenged the usual conventions well enough to just about… work. Kudos goes to the organizers (Chugg/19SIXTYFIVE) accordingly. MORE!

DEAD STARS – HIGH GAIN EP [REVIEW]

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Jun 162013

The early 90s were an exciting time for alternative rock. It was an epoch where edgy melodies met crunchy guitars with pummeling rhythms! Hell yes, it’s time for a 90s alt-rock revival and Williamsburg, Brooklyn’s Dead Stars have no qualms declaring their intent to evokes the likes of Teenage Fanclub, Pavement, Sonic Youth and Dinosaur, Jr. in their delightfully tuneful rock agenda.

This five-track EP is a pleasing introduction to the wonders of Dead Star’s way with a melody and ups the ante with punk, country and folk vibes headily incorporated for a intoxicating brew. The one-two knockout punch of the rollicking “Waste Away” and sensitive “Let It Go” bring out all the best feelings rock n’ roll imparts – adrenaline pumping, wild abandon and the unconfined thrill of rock songs that hit the spot!

Consisting of Jeff Moore (guitar/vocals), John Watterberg (bass) and Jaye Moore (drums), Dead Stars is a power trio of the best kind - where that indeterminable touch of cool and homespun connection meld perfectly – the ultimate godsend for rock fans out there tired of all this fucking hipster bullshit!

LONG AND WINDING ROAD: EMO FASCISM – ARE WE THERE YET?

MUSIC, PERSONAL 2 Responses »

Jun 152013

We are about seven weeks away from the launch of Emo FASCISM Launch Week!

As far as the music is concerned, Pat and I are working on the final mixes of the 12 songs that will make up the CD. A 4-track sampler is now available at Soundcloud with opening track “Silver” the final teaser in the set. Check it out below.

Eric has done his part – the cover design – and the art concept will be carried through on the CD sleeve, merch and posters (with the assistance of the lovely 23賴). See below.

Four dates have been confirmed during the Emo FASCISM Launch Week. Details to come soon.

Emo FASCISM will also be available on Bandcamp and iTunes in August for those unable to attend any of the gigs.

Very excited about this new milestone in my musical career and none of this would have been possible without the amazing Patrick Chng, who has been an inspiration and endless source of encouragement to me to record a new album after all these years!

So, look out for more news to come in the weeks ahead.

… still there’s more …

POPTV: ESTHER LOWLESS – STRANGE PLACE TO MEET [VIDEO]

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Jun 152013

Heads up, folks! This coming Friday 21st June, Esther Lowless will launch her amazing debut EP – Strange Place to Meet – at the Esplanade Recital Studio. How good is the EP? Well, I gave it 5 stars over at TODAY and it is no exaggeration to state that it is one of the best debut recordings I have heard in a while.

Not only that but Lowless has – together with talented collaborators – produced music videos to accompany each one of the six tracks on the EP. You can view these videos at her YouTube channel. My favourite is the gorgeous “Everything”, a duet with Mark John Hariman, which you can watch below.

So don’t miss this! Get your tickets now!!

Tickets are priced at $25 (Standard), and $20 (Students). Email estherlowlessmusic@gmail.com to purchase your tickets.

BORN CAGES – THE SIDELINES EP [REVIEW]

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Jun 122013

Lest we forget, in the mid-70s New York brought forth nascent punk and the ‘new wave’. Even as there appears to be a new punk uprising in London, might we also witness an exciting fresh rock n’ roll perspective from New York?

Well, when I first heard the opening lines to “Don’t Look Back” – the first track of Brooklyn band Born Cages‘ new EP The Sidelines EP, there was a palpable sense of overwhelming promise that bears closer examination. (Listen below)

Born Cages (Vlad Holiday on lead vocals and guitar, Amanda Carl on keyboards, Steve Kellner on bass, and Dave Tantao on drums) seems to have engineered a sound that manages to squeeze arena rock and post-punk sensibilities into the same headspace.

Imagine if you will, Bruce Springsteen fronting Television instead of the E Street Band and perhaps you might begin to get a better idea of the rush I experiences when confronted by Born Cages’ sonic agenda.

This thrill-making is further explored in tracks like “Caiti”, where references to Arctic Monkey’s driving guitar rhythm are evoked, and “Metaphor”, where jaded dance-pop is given a shot in the arm by sinewy alt-country rock!

But ultimately it is the edgy anthemic lustre of “Don’t Look Back” that holds the biggest hope that perhaps Born Cages will be able to transcend genre limitations and break out…

Official Site

WAVVES – LIVE AT ZOUK [INTERVIEW]

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Jun 092013

One more for the road. Stephen Wavves talks to us about the upcoming gig at Zouk with Mum and Shelves.

What is the first thing you’re gonna do when you arrive in Singapore?
Eat eat eat eat

What is the one fact that you do know about Singapore?
Singapore has a reputation of having incredibly strict policies….particularly regarding behavior. So we all have to watch ourselves and not get arrested.

What can fans expect from your performance in Singapore?
Our shows usually are pretty high energy. Lots of kids moshing and stagediving. The more the crowd gets into it the more we get into. We feed off the energy of each other.

What are you most looking forward to in Singapore?
Other than meeting the people who have common interests….its gotta be eating. I’m fat.

Do you have a message for your fans in Singapore?
Come say hi and bring us sweet Singaporean treats.

Tickets are available now on zoukclub.com at $80.
Doors open 7:30pm.

THE ROLLING STONES: CROSSFIRE HURRICANE [DVD REVIEW]

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Jun 072013

Considering the number of iconic films that The Rolling Stones have been associated with – Gimme Shelter, Sympathy for the Devil, Performance and Cocksucker Blues, it was simply not enough for director Brett Morgen to come up with a by-the-numbers 50th anniversary retrospective. Which, to his immense credit, he didn’t!

Fact is, Crossfire Hurricane manages to provide a kaleidoscopic perspective of events that made the Stones the living rock n’ roll legends that they are. One very crucial decision made was not to shoot the Stones as they currently are – so they only provide the relevant voiceover but visually, the viewer is never distracted from the story by how the Stones look like in 2013 (basically, old).

In this manner, Crossfire Hurricane is able to be interesting to new and old fans alike. It never comes across as a nostalgic exercise but a critical study of key events of the Stones’ career that intersected with the milestones of rock n’ roll. Thus, this documentary film is essential for longtime fans as well as rock scholars.

BEVLYN KHOO – THE PEOPLE I’VE KNOWN [REVIEW]

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Jun 072013

After a couple of albums where she mainly recorded covers, singer-songwriter Bevlyn Khoo is in her element once again, with an indie album of her own original material. This bi-lingual work (seven Mandarin, four English) demonstrates Bevlyn’s astute understanding of the soft rock dynamics of the Seventies (which forms the core of Mando-pop). Crucially, Bevlyn is much more than a pretty face and pleasing voice – she is a serious songwriter in her own right!

That said, whilst the opening track “The Haha Song” is a little throwaway and inconsequential – it is with songs like the soulful ballad “I Just Want You To Know” that Bevlyn is able to easily tug on heart strings with the right chord changes, vocal inflections and thoughtful arrangements. Without a doubt, this number is one of the finer ballads I have heard in 2013.

The title track has a strong John Barry vibe (what with the Midnight Cowboy harmonica) and is yet another touching piano ballad, “Sweet Love” will send all the bossa nova lovers out there into ecstasy and “Let Me Think About It” borrows knowingly from Barry White, with all the late 70s disco feel that that implies (new Daft Punk fans might want to investigate).

Surprised yet? There’s more to Bevlyn Khoo than meets the eye. Seventies pop fans cannot ignore this rather intriguing indie release.

Official Site

MUM – LIVE AT ZOUK [INTERVIEW]

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Jun 072013

Icelandic wonders Mum will thrill local audiences when they return to our shores on 15th June at Zouk, alongside Wavves and our very own Shelves. Ahead of the gig, we had a short and sharp exchange with Mum’s Örvar Þóreyjarson Smárason.

What is the first thing you’re gonna do when you arrive in Singapore?

I am going to have something to eat. I had amazing indian food there last time, so I am looking forward to that.

What is the one fact that you do know about Singapore?

I heard somewhere that you can’t chew gum on the street. It’s probably not true, but I like it because I really can’t stand chewing gum.

What can fans expect from your performance in Singapore?

They can expect to be surprised. Expecting the unexpected is a good way to spend the evening.

What are you most looking forward to in Singapore?

Playing the show is of course on the top of my list, but I really look forward to walking around and looking at all the huge buildings.

Do you have a message for your fans in Singapore?

Have fun, stay loose and play nice.

Tickets are available now on zoukclub.com at $80.
Doors open 7:30pm.

BAYBEATS 2013 [NEWS]

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Jun 062013

I’ll be honest with you (stop laughing!) – I haven’t been pushing this years’ Baybeats Festival as hard as I have in previous years because I think it’s reached a critical mass where it doesn’t need my 2cts worth anymore. Also, with the number of local music blogs that have appeared in the last year or so, I don’t feel that Power of Pop needs to carry that burden any longer. Which is an excellent sign for the S-ROCK scene, of course.

Suffice to say that if you’re a music lover and happen to be in country during those three days – 28, 29 & 30 June – then you cannot miss Baybeats 2013. And…which bands would Power of Pop recommend? Here goes.

Friday, 28th – Mannequins (7pm, Outdoor Theatre) | Dropbeat Heartbeat (7.30pm, Powerhouse) | Tall Mountains (7pm, 8.30pm, 10pm Concourse) | Force Vomit (9.30pm, Powerhouse).

Saturday, 29th – sub:shaman (6 pm, Outdoor Theatre) | Pastelpower (3.30pm, Observation Deck 6.15pm, 9.15pm Concourse) | These Brittle Bones (5.30pm Observation Deck 7.45pm, 10pm Concourse) | Wormrot (9.30pm, Powerhouse)

Sunday, 30th – 7nightsatsea (6 pm, Outdoor Theatre) | The Pinholes (6.15pm, 7.45pm Concourse) | Esther Lowless (3.30pm, Observation Deck 7pm, 8.30pm Concourse) | A Vacant Affair (8.30pm, Powerhourse) | Electrico (9pm, Outdoor Theatre)

More info at the Baybeats 2013 website.

… still there’s more …

LISTENING BOOTH: CELESTIA “BOY IN THE WELL” [STREAMING]

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Jun 062013

Here’s a promising track from Celestia, one of the bands on SPear. “Boy in the Well” is an intriguing (probably unintentional) combination of post-punk BIG music (U2, Simple Minds), alt-country and rock n’ roll, with an ironically passive female vocal (and she does go quite flat on the crucial last note!). Wish the SPear website had more information about the song and the band. In any case you can check out Celestia and three other bands tomorrow at the SPear Launch at the Coliseum. In the meantime, enjoy “Boy in the Well”.

MUM, WAVVES & SHELVES – LIVE AT ZOUK [NEWS]

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Jun 052013

An exclusive triple-bill of indie acts, featuring Singapore’s own Shelves, American surf-rockers Wavves and Icelandic
experimental band Múm, will be held on 15 June, 8pm at Zouk. Ahead of next Saturday’s gig, we got Shelves’ Noel Yeo to share his thoughts with us.

L-R: Robin Chua, Daryl Peh, Brian Koh & Noel Yeo

Can you talk about the recent personnel changes in Shelves?

A big one! We say bye to Mel, who, you know, has been with me since Suchness, and hello to Daryl, whom we first met as our sound guy at Hood Bar. He essentially came up to us and said, hi, I’ve got your LP, which was great because that meant he knew our sound so we didn’t really have to brief him. But it is a dirtier, grittier sound he’s introducing to Shelves, which we all love.

Can we expect new material at the Zouk show?

Actually yes! We are often somewhat embarrassed to be playing songs not on our album. I mean, it was the impetus to get our debut recorded and released. We were playing too many songs not meant to be on the album. So now we have an EP in the works. Sort of. We know which songs, but new ones keep being added in. Might be an LP by next week.

Múm or Wavves – which do you prefer more and why?

I should start by saying that I love both. Caught mum when they were last here in Singapore. But Wavves is definitely closer to our hearts now, if not sound. Quite a dream to be opening for them, really. Ok, didn’t actually dream that, but if you told me a few months ago Shelves would be opening for Wavves, I’d be, yes, perfect, but how unlikely is that.

How do you feel about sharing a stage with these bands?

It’s an impossible line-up. Mum with Wavves? I didn’t think they had the same fans. Add to that Shelves? Read that for other parts of the tour the line-up was Mum, Wavves and British Sea Power. I feel like apologising. I would have loved to catch them.

What is in the future for Shelves?

We don’t really make plans. We even have a song about that, which going to be in our next EP/LP. Is that a plan?

Tickets are available now on zoukclub.com AND Event Cliquehttp://bit.ly/16NwTVS at $80.
Doors open 7:30pm.

Stay tuned for interviews with Múm and Wavves.

…still there’s more…

HISTORY OF THE EAGLES: THE STORY OF AN AMERICAN BAND [DVD REVIEW]

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Jun 022013

There can be no doubt about The Eagles‘ place in rock history. Biggest selling album of the 20th century, inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, a comeback album that sold in excess of 5 million in these troubled times for the music industry and a best-selling live show that continues to run and run.

Not to mention, a sideshow of controversy that has dogged the band despite the absolute highs. The high profile suit by former member Don Felder against The Eagles and the publication of Felder’s ‘tell-all’ book, Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974 – 2001) has tarnished somewhat the reputations of Don Henley and Glenn Frey (the co-leaders of the band) but that has not stopped the musical juggernaut from continuing to pull in the big bucks.

This documentary – as you might imagined – tells the story from Henley and Frey’s perspective. Both men are rather dismissive about Felder in the interviews and Frey evens gets in some descriptive expletives for good measure. The fact that the duo come across smug and self-righteous leaves a very bad taste in the mouth.

The first DVD recounts the band’s rise to fame and implosion in 1980 with rare footage and incisive comments from the key players. The second DVD recounts the band’s even more impressive comeback beginning the Hell Freezes Over tour in 1990.

Of the two DVDs, the first one is the most exciting as one gets to witness the making of iconic songs (“Take It Easy”, “One of These Nights”) and albums (Hotel California) and how Henley and Frey went from backing Linda Ronstadt to having the best-selling album of the 20th Century – Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975). The second DVD, well, is simply too sanctimonious at times with the unwelcome sight of Henley and Frey justifying their arrogance – rather unwatchable at times. Overall, the excellent first DVD is worth the price of admission though.

Buy now!

Bluray | DVD | BOX SET | iTunes

NELSON TAN – KYRIE ELEISON [REVIEW]

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Jun 012013

I have not known Nelson Tan for too long but in that short space of time, I have found him to be one of the most dedicated musicians out there in the unforgiving world of S-ROCK. His love and passion for music has led Nelson to cover a whole range of musical styles and formats. After all, I first came across him when he replaced Kenny Png on bass with In Each Hand a Cutlass and neo-progressive instrumental rock is a far cry from the finely-tuned Mando-rock you will find on Nelson’s newly-released solo album, Kyrie Eleison (Greek for “Lord, have mercy”).

Suffice to for me to state that the album is well-crafted and produced and filled to the brim with fine melodies, thoughtful arrangements and instrumentation to satisfy pop lovers, whether or not you follow Mando-rock specifically. For me personally, I am honoured that Nelson decided to cover “My One & Only” in Mandarin and according to the man himself, the translation is faithful to the original lyrics. I will take his word for that.

Nelson launches Kyrie Eleison tonight at Hood Bar from 8pm.

Check out Kyrie Eleison‘s Bandcamp page.

Like Nelson Tan on Facebook.

KARL HYDE – EDGELAND [REVIEW]

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May 312013

Underworld’s Karl Hyde has been in the music business since 1980 and Edgeland is Hyde’s first solo album!

Having fronted Underworld through different genres within the electronic music sphere – before making the big time in the 1990s with techno dance music – it’s refreshing to consider Hyde’s musical approach to his debut solo work.

On Edgeland, Hyde takes his new role as singer-songwriter seriously with a clutch of well-crafted pop-rock songs which exploit his electronic music background to the hilt. The result – memorable melodies, thoughtful lyrics and fresh song arrangements/instrumentations and a worthy addition to the essential listening pile for 2013.

Outstanding tracks include “Angel Cafe” with its ‘found sound’ percussion and heavenly atmospherics; “Your Perfume Was The Best Thing” with its chorus synth hooks and textured harmonies and “Cut Clouds” with its ambient stylings and fragile demeanour. Brilliant.

Official Site

MATTHEW LEE – STRAWBERRY VANILLA [REVIEW]

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May 312013

Look I believe in supporting as many different ‘genres’ as possible, especially within the S-ROCK scene but sometimes one does impose a certain bias upon musical direction and approaches. Take guitarist Matthew Lee for example. His 9-track album is instrumental rock that covers a gamut of diverse styles – hard rock, metal, pop-punk, classical and even sentimental – so there’s no questioning his eclecticism. But some of the tracks - “=D”, “I Remember Happiness” and “Strawberry Vanilla” should really have vocals and not a guitar playing what are essentially vocal lines.

No quibbling with Lee’s technical prowess whatsoever but there’s no getting over the nagging feeling that some of these tracks would be better served with vocals. Check out Strawberry Vanilla and see if you agree…

NEWSLOOP ON ANDROID [NEWS]

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May 312013

Getting the indie underground into the mainstream! (and not the other way round)

Power of Pop is one of the featured sites on SingTEL’s NewsLoop app and it’s now available on Android as well. Read Power of Pop using NewsLoop and we get a share of the advertising dollar.

No pressure, no guilt but your support is always appreciated.

Shill over.

SKINNY GIRL DIET + THE ETHICAL DEBATING SOCIETY: SPLIT 7″ [REVIEW]

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May 302013

Skinny Girl Diet

Is it 1991 again? I sure hope so! This split 7″ shared between two London-based punk outfits viz. Skinny Girl Diet and The Ethical Debating Society, is a refreshing kick in the nuts for music lovers tired of the travesty known as ‘pop-punk’.

SGD‘s two tracks – “DMT” and “Homesick” strike a blow against pristine, hi-fi, politically correct teenybopper crap that poses as ‘punk’ in 2013. Literally three chord wonders that bleed with attitude and a reckless disregard for the conventions of what a female pop band should sound like (especially like the way “Homesick” actually speeds up during the song!). Sure, it’s a style and look that recalls the Riot Grrl movement of the 90s (and all its antecedents) but definitely, something we desperately need in these anti-sceptic musical times!

[Facebook page]

Similarly, TEDS owe a debt to the Riot Grrl movement with its strident anti-pop agenda. The two songs here – “Child’s Play” and “Creosote Idea” are slightly more structured punk fare with an agitprop slant. Lots of shouting backed by slashing guitars and over before you even know it – but ultimately catchy as all hell.

[Facebook page]

For all the angsty people out there — this means YOU!

More info

SPEAR CONCERT – THE LAUNCH [NEWS]

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May 282013

Now, here’s something different for the S-ROCK scene. SPear stands for “Singapore Polytechnic Emerging Artist & Repertoire” and is an initiative utilizing a new teaching pedagogy developed by Singapore Polytechnic (SP) under its Diploma in Music and Audio Technology course.

Essentially, SPear operates as a record label and production house whereby student bands are given the opportunity to record and release EPs under the SPear banner. According to a SP rep, the songs and recordings are ‘co-owned’ by SPear and the various bands and each band will record and release a 3-track EP under this initiative.

SPear will be holding its launch at The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel, Sentosa on Friday, June 7th, where the first four student bands under this scheme viz. V’Bel, Victoria Street, Formalisms and Celestia will perform. The SP rep has informed us that major labels like Warner Music & Universal Music and renowned independent labels like EQ music and Snakeweed Records will be in attendance at this event.

There will be a guest appearance by The Sam Willows.

Stay tuned for more information.

Registration for free tickets at www.spear.com.sg.

TABULA RASA

MUSIC 1 Response »

May 272013

Lots of contemplation about what my online presence should be. I have a few blogs floating around although Power of Pop remains the main outlet for my music views. I had previously attempted to make this webzine more popular by including news items and features on modern pop artists and bands (that I really didn’t care about) and this will now stop altogether. From now on, Power of Pop will only feature bands and artists that I personally think deserve to be. Plain and simple. It’s all down to me – the credit and the blame — this has been my mouthpiece for 15 fucking years and will always be (and to hell with stats). My priorities will still remain with promoting S-ROCK at every given opportunity and that will never change…For those of you loyal readers who have been along for this ride all this while, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and always remember…

…STILL THERE’S MORE…

TIMBRE MUSIC PRESENTS SINGAPORE ORIGINALS: WEISH [NEWS]

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May 272013

The little girl with the BIG voice.

Weish has a well-received opening slot for Tegan & Sara under her belt already and her star is certainly in the ascendency. Find out what all the fuss is about this Wednesday (May 29) at Timbre @ The Substation from 8pm.

Like Weish’s Facebook page.

MTV SESSIONS: TEMPER TRAP [REVIEW]

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May 272013

Courtesy of MTV Asia/Aloysius Lim

Are the first words that come into your minds and out of your mouths the same as mine? “Sweet Disposition”? Or, to be precise, “sweeeeet dissssspooooositionnnnn”?

The MTV Sessions is an MTV Asia original series which showcases intimate sessions with the featured artiste and a studio audience, consisting primarily of contest winners, typically die-hard fans. Previous featured artistes include a dynamic Vanness Wu, a charming James Morrison, a very clickable Kyle Patrick, a sweet indie songstress by the stage name of Russian Red, a “make-the-girls-go-wild boy that is other than Bieber” Greyson Chance, and to join the niche gang, Australia’s very own indie rock favourite The Temper Trap.

TEGAN & SARA – LIVE IN SINGAPORE [REVIEW]

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May 272013

Courtesy of Dominic Phua and Now/Live

Part of their promotional tour for their latest album Heartthrob, Canadian sisters Tegan and Sara performed at the Esplanade Concert Hall on the 13th of May.

Apparently handpicked by Tegan and Sara themselves, homegrown singer-songwriter Weish delivered a memorable opening act that featured her signature searing vocals and electric looping shenanigans. Continually layering, looping, and effecting her voice into rich tapestries of songs, this reviewer thinks Weish is an act to watch, and a breath of creative fresh air in a local scene crowded with too many plaintive guitar-based songs from singer-songwriters.

MY ENGLISH POP ADVENTURE

MUSIC, PERSONAL 5 Responses »

May 252013

L – R: Yee Chang Kang, Patrick Chng, KM, Fiffy Chia, Redzuan Hissin (front), Alan Bok (behind) and Lennat Mak

It’s been almost a week since I got back from England where I spent nearly 14 days with TypeWriter on the band’s English Breakfast Tour to London, Plymouth, Cornwall and Liverpool, so I thought I’d better put down my thoughts about the experience before they faded away…

This will not be a blow-by-blow account cum tour diary but more a reflection on how the experience touched me and changed my life. Yes, I know that sounds corny and maybe exaggerated but in the week since I have been back I have been inspired to make actual changes in my life.

Going away on tour with a rock band was something I had done in 2011 (for the first time!) with Cheating Sons but that was China. This was England and the very thought of being in my ancestral home with a band was mind blowing. Seriously, on many fronts, I had serious doubts whether we could pull it off, even as I was the one who had started the ball rolling.

We did! And that knowledge gives me renewed confidence and expanded ambitions to go further with this whole music thing. There are new territories for S-ROCK to explore and conquer at home, in the region and beyond and I want to be in the middle of the action and not an observer on the sidelines.

We met really cool music people and the band was appreciated by an entirely new audience. There were mistakes made but lessons learnt. Everywhere the band played, folks were impressed and were keen to find out more about the Singapore music scene – to many of them it seemed incomprehensible that English rock songs were made in Singapore at all!

At the International Pop Overthrow Festival in Liverpool, it seemed inconceivable that a band had flown thousands of kilometres to play at the famous Cavern Club (I believe the distance between Singapore and Liverpool is about 15,000 km!) and I want to take this opportunity to thank organizer David Bash for giving the band the chance to do so.

As cliched as it may sound, this is only the beginning and as June approaches, there are numerous exciting musical activities coming up for myself and the bands I look after. I am truly excited at the possibilities of the next couple of years within the Singapore music scene and beyond. STILL THERE’S MORE indeed.

Pictures taken in England can be seen here and also here.

TYPEWRITER: THE ENGLISH BREAKFAST TOUR [NEWS]

MUSIC, PERSONAL 1 Response »

May 052013

Will be in England with TypeWriter for the next two weeks. Back on 20th May. In the meantime, come and visit Power of Pop as often as you can – there’s still loads of content here for you to explore.

Cheers,
Kevin

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MUM, WAVVES & SHELVES – LIVE AT ZOUK [REVIEW]

DEAD STARS – HIGH GAIN EP [REVIEW]

LONG AND WINDING ROAD: EMO FASCISM – ARE WE THERE YET?

POPTV: ESTHER LOWLESS – STRANGE PLACE TO MEET [VIDEO]

BORN CAGES – THE SIDELINES EP [REVIEW]

WAVVES – LIVE AT ZOUK [INTERVIEW]

THE ROLLING STONES: CROSSFIRE HURRICANE [DVD REVIEW]

BEVLYN KHOO – THE PEOPLE I’VE KNOWN [REVIEW]

MUM – LIVE AT ZOUK [INTERVIEW]

BAYBEATS 2013 [NEWS]

LISTENING BOOTH: CELESTIA “BOY IN THE WELL” [STREAMING]

MUM, WAVVES & SHELVES – LIVE AT ZOUK [NEWS]

HISTORY OF THE EAGLES: THE STORY OF AN AMERICAN BAND [DVD REVIEW]

NELSON TAN – KYRIE ELEISON [REVIEW]

KARL HYDE – EDGELAND [REVIEW]

MATTHEW LEE – STRAWBERRY VANILLA [REVIEW]

NEWSLOOP ON ANDROID [NEWS]

SKINNY GIRL DIET + THE ETHICAL DEBATING SOCIETY: SPLIT 7″ [REVIEW]

SPEAR CONCERT – THE LAUNCH [NEWS]

TABULA RASA

TIMBRE MUSIC PRESENTS SINGAPORE ORIGINALS: WEISH [NEWS]

MTV SESSIONS: TEMPER TRAP [REVIEW]

TEGAN & SARA – LIVE IN SINGAPORE [REVIEW]

MY ENGLISH POP ADVENTURE

TYPEWRITER: THE ENGLISH BREAKFAST TOUR [NEWS]

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