The year is ending and it does seem that the best way to celebrate a fine 12 months of live music in Singapore is to enjoy an indie music festival. Camp Symmetry delivers ten bands and is an ambitious event put together by local outfit Symmetry Entertainment Pte Ltd. Think of Camp Symmetry as being positioned somewhere between Laneway and Rock & Roots and a positive sign for the Singapore music scene overall.
With six days to go, let’s take a closer look at that lineup, shall we?
VERONICA FALLS 12pm to 12.40pm
English indie pop band that has two releases so far. Back in the 80s, we’d call them a twee pop outfit. Fronted by Roxanne Clifford and James Hoare on guitars and vocals, they are obviously influenced by the likes of The Pastels, Camera Obscura, Belle and Sebastian et al. Sweet melodies with jangley guitars. A lil lightweight but that’s the whole point…
LAST DINOSAURS 12.55pm to 1.35pm
Aussie indie rock band with one album under its belt. Again, a very strong 80s post-punk indie pop vibe that recalls Orange Juice, Josef K and of course, The Smiths. The main appeal is the danceable nature of their songs, which should have the kids jumping along. Good fun all round.
SAN CISCO 1.50pm to 2.30pm
Aussie indie pop band with a debut album released in 2013. Very breezy rhythmic melodic pop which recalls Vampire Weekend, Pheonix and Los Campesinos. Again, expect loads of awkward dancing to take place (mostly, by yours truly one suspects). Innocuous.
WILD NOTHING 2.45pm to 3.25pm
American indie rock/dream pop band with 4 releases to its name. Basically the vehicle for Jack Tatum – “light on fidelity but heavy on reverb” according to All Music Guide, should be interesting to see how Tatum pulls this off live. An expansive sound with wider range is probably Wild Nothing’s main appeal. Latest EP is highly Bowie-esque…
WILLIAM FITZSIMMONS 3.40pm to 4.20pm
American singer-songwriter with 4 releases. Fitzsimmons goes against the grain of the previous acts with acoustic guitar-based folk music to the fore. An interesting pause in action as after his set come the so-called big guns of the Festival. Fans of Bon Iver, Denison Witmer and Joshua Radin will dig Fitzsimmons. A good change in pace.
Come back soon for part two. Ticketing info at http://campsymmetry.com/
… still there’s more …