Music Matters Live 2014

On Friday I headed down to Clarke Quay for a couple of beers, and also Music Matters Live 2014. I think its really cool that it's becoming a rather big event, and an important fixture in Singapore's music scene, proving that music does indeed matter. I went for the first time last year, and it was pretty interesting. Electrico played together for the first time after a long hiatus. And, Boyce Avenue. Ugh.

It was "Made in Singapore"night, so here are some of my impressions of the performances I saw:

Seyra

I actually first heard this band quite a long time back, maybe 3 or 4 years ago at Baybeats. And I remember being really impressed by their sound and their music. A few years on, and much has changed. Comparisons to Feist and Rachel Yamagata don't really work anymore because their sound has changed ('evolved', would be the hipster term to use). Where the music used to be heavily acoustic guitar-driven, it's now more driven by the bass and rhythm section. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, of course. The tunes are catchy, pretty loud in parts, and ultimately current, i guess. And their use of interesting instruments like the flute and melodica reminds me of Of Monsters and Men, although their sound would better be compared to Two Door Cinema Club. All in all, an interesting, though somewhat unexpected, experience.

Wyd Syd

Pronounced "wide side" (obviously, duh), this band is made up of 5 guys who all look about our age. It took me awhile to classify their music. My friend argued that it was "typical shoegaze". Sonically, I would have to agree. Rampaging bass, pounding drums, howling guitars and a vocalist with a really unique and piercing voice, reminding me a lot of Brian Molko of Placebo. Melodically though, they tend towards groovier and more 'indie' melodies, more dance-y than druggy. And they sound good together. The closest comparison I could think of is probably The Temper Trap. I enjoyed them a lot, although I do wish the vocalist had a less distinct voice.

Sub:shaman

Following Wyd Syd's performance was Sub:shaman. The friend I was there with, his younger brother actually plays in the band, and I had been pre-warned that the music might be a little "too hipster". And well, they are like the strange lovechild of Mogwai and Deftones. Self-described as "dark, groovy and occasionally chaotic", there was an abundance of dissonant chords and sonic landscapes. My friend quite appropriately described it: "eh, they like to purposely do that sia." Vocals clashing with keyboards clashing with guitar, topped off with electronic effects, it was music few could appreciate. And the crowd response was terrible, which did not surprise me the least. We were in Aquacove, a bar where the average age on a normal day is probably on the upside of 35. Patrons were covering their ears, motioning for the performance to be over, and were perhaps as disconcerted and agitated as the music itself. Personally, while I cant say I totally liked it, I do appreciate what they are doing musically. And I would definitely recommend them for those times when you're feeling a little loopy, if you know what I mean.

Take Two

Take Two are a band I've known since they were conceived, considering that I used to play together with their bassist and drummer. And they have been on quite a roll lately, seemingly to be all over the local scene, as well as doing gigs in Kuala Lumpur and Chiang Mai. Or maybe it's because 3/5s of the band are my facebook friends so their notifications always pop up on my newsfeed. Regardless, I think they are a band you guys would like. They are about as typically indie-rock as it gets, catchy dance-y riffs, groovy beats, and lots of sing-a-long "uh oh uh oh"s. Phoenix, The Wombats, you know the sort. And they sound really tight, and have come a long way from when they first started.

The Boxer Rebellion

Here I will sidetrack slightly from the Singapore theme, and quickly mention the headlining act at the main stage. I'm pretty sure you guys have heard of them, they are straight up the Brit-rock alley. They are about as quintessential a four-piece British rock band you can find: three tall handsome skinny men and that one fat, slightly crazed and dishevelled looking fella smacking away on the drums. Groovy guitar licks and bass riffs to get your feet tapping, the largely British crowd there adored them. Of course, also helps that the lead singer has a voice plucked straight from heaven. And it was quite strange actually, hearing such a typically and identifiably British sound amidst all the other genres of music. Refreshing, in a way. While they did not draw the same sort of crowd Boyce Avenue did last year (it was nonsensically packed), they had my heart in an instant.

While Music Matters Live is held in pubs all over Clarke Quay, I think it says a lot of the current music scene that on "Made in Singapore" night, the main fountain stage plays host to K-Pop night, with bad renditions of Lady Gaga songs and scantily clad back up dancers who look less like dancers and more like clubbers in Zouk. But I guess a "Made in Singapore" showcase is a good beginning, and hopefully a sign of greater things to come. I look forward to the day when this local showcase is held on the main stage, and able to attract a local audience beyond just the friends of the band members. That would be the day that we can proudly say that local music does really matter.