Wah! Sweet Music Lah... (End-Year Review 2015)

It goes without a doubt that the music industry in Singapore is blowing up. Local bands have been opening for international acts and they're being billed on music festival banners (Singjazz, Neon Lights, Laneway Festival etc.) this year. And the community are showing up in numbers to support their favorite acts in various locations at different times of the year. Free performances are rampant across the calendar and it's just awe-inspiring that these artists are just giving their time for this passion, even though it won't pay the bills or earn them the exposure.

But this reality check never really deter them far off the course they intended, because the output of music this year is actually even more than we asked for. Currently I'm plugged in to a hip-hop/rap album, Kendrick Lamar's magnum opus "To Pimp a Butterfly". Other than this, I haven't really listened to anything else outside of Singapore. So this really speaks volume of the talent we have on our tiny island.

So I'll be listing out and reviewing some of my top 10* local albums/releases I think is worthy to give it a shot. And you should if you're really a fan of music of all forms (Except screamo and fucking heavy metal #sorrynotsorry)

*Not in ranked order

1) Mediocre Haircut Crew - The MHC EP
Genre: Hip-hop/Rap



This hiphop group just came out of nowhere and blew my ears apart. Mixed and engineered by FAUXE, a local DJ/producer, this is an fabulous debut release. Dope beats and hooks backed by confident witty rhymes and with a fuck-all attitude that will attract the right crowd and fans. And adding a couple of Justin Timberlake-inspired love tunes doesn't hurt their rep! This is the biggest surprise of the year for me. Keep up the good work, lads!

2) Charlie Lim - Time/Space EP
Genre: Folk-Rock/DIY Electronic/Singer-Songwriter



Does this man need any more introduction from me? So the story is: Singer-songwriter Charlie Lim meant for this release to be a full-length album, but he split it into 2 EPs, so as to divide and put a theme to his music, thus the Time/Space naming convention. With this record, he dabbles with genres, ranging from ragtime jazz to electronic stadium pop and post-rock meltdowns. But what set Charlie apart from all your singer-songwriters is that he strings his thoughts into his carefully-constructed tunes and makes a beautiful experience out of it. No doubt one of the best albums to come out this year.

3) Paint The Sky Red - Not All Who Wonder Are Lost
Genre: Post-rock



Cinematic and emotional in every way possible. And no words spoken. Just close your eyes and let the music flow through your heart and brain.

See also: Explosions in the Sky

4) Cashew Chemists - Previously on... Cashew Chemists
Genre: Pop-rock



This follow-up EP to their debut release has been a long time coming and although it's only a 4-song EP, all the tunes are solid and they continue in the cheeky, laid-back tradition of a Cashew Chemist song (Kind of a Beach-Boys vibe). It's very lovely and easy-going on the ears and the guitar solos are still rocking it as ever. Production-wise, it's a step-up from what they had in the debut EP and the tracks now are much more cleaner and the overall sound is tighter. Can't wait to hear more from this group.

5) .gif - soma
Genre: DIY Electronic



Consisting of only two members, you would think an album release would sound minimalistic, but after listening just the first song, I had never been so wrong. It's a fully-realized record, with lush atmospheric sounds that surrounds the listener when you put it on your headphones. No song ever sounds the same and you're guided by Din's interesting beats and synths, segueing into next songs flawlessly and Weish vocals fills in the gap, layered vocals upon vocals and it's a genius piece of avant-garde work. Sophisticated but yet still so palatable to music-lovers out there. "Godspeed" is just simply amazing in its own way..

6) Take Two - Pairs
Genre: Pop-rock



Soaring melodies, infectious beats and a polish sound to boot. Great debut EP from these young boys.

See also: Two Door Cinema Club, Temper Trap, Phoenix

7) Hanging Up The Moon - Immaterial
Genre: Folk acoustic



Started as a side project by Sean Lam of the now defunct local rock band Concave Scream, he formed the moniker due to his late night experimentation with the intention to go back to basics. A beautiful soothing unlike any other that just puts people in a midday trance if they ever put this on their earphones.

8) Lost Weekend - Lost Weekend
Genre: Indie pop-rock



Imagine Singapore's Zooey Deschanel in a rock band, but packing more heat with raspy vocals. And that's what you get with Lost Weekend. A warm, delicate sound that sets you back in time of the 90s Singapore. Simple nostalgia tunes and with some rocking good moments. The fact that the people behind these tunes are in their early 20s astound me, because they compose with such maturity and it's a great sounding album with its message and ideas put across clearly to the listeners. Best listened to on the weekend (no pun intended) if you'd like to reminisce a happier period of your life. Can't wait to hear more songs from these guys.

9) The Steve McQueens - Seamonster
Genre: Acid Jazz



Singapore has been never really known for its jazz music, other than Jeremy Monteiro, but The Steve McQueens is getting more recognized for its craft when they got invited to Japan and UK to play for music festivals. Eugenie Yip's (better known as Ginny Bloop) vocals could be the strongest I've ever heard a Singaporean belt out. She has that incredible range but uses with great restrain, which I adore. Crisp drumming beats provided by Aaron James Lee sometimes blow my mind and mad props to Joshua Wan, keys, for coming up with the beautiful arrangements. Digging the very strong stuff coming from this group of talented people.

10) Cheating Sons - Cheating Sons
Genre: Folk-rock/Blues-rock



Cheating Son's "Honeymoon" reminds me of old Hong Kong films that were set in the western-influenced bar restaurants of Shanghai. The place is lit by the warm, mood lighting and there are waitresses walking around in leg-revealing cheongsams...

I've digressed, but one thing is for sure: Cheating Sons' sophomore eponymous album is gorgeous and a lot of thought and time was spent into creating that dense sound they've set out. And this sold me right from the start. The lyrics are sang with a charming wit and the melodies are inviting. And this delightful energy is being carried through its 10-song album. This and Charlie Lim's albums are my favorites this year.

With that said, it's been an insane year for local music releases and of course there are a lot more that weren't mentioned: Stopgap, Jawn Chan, Jamie Wong, DEON, Inch Chua, The Sam Willows, The Psalms, Shigga Shay, In Each Hand a Cutlass, The Astral Journey (TAJ), just to name a few. All of these musicians released an album or EP this year and all are so worth checking out.

So much releases that I forgot to check out overseas music -.- Well, time to plug back into Kendrick Lamar.

Goodnight world and you're welcome. For my two-cents worth of opinion. And if you made it all the way to the end, thanks for powering through this long post.

Nothing but the Truth

Oh Charlie Lim. I heart your music video. Thanks for taking time out to do the premiere and attending to us and all.

Weakling Musings

Sometimes I wonder what the hell Twitter or Facebook is for if I can't do paragraphic writings.

"-Sounds of crashing waves and seagulls cawing in the background-

In the light of recent affairs, our perceived notion of truth has altered drastically. Even the salt of the earth carried more weight than the promises you made. Where has that warmth in your heart gone to?

-VHS tape rewinding-

Here we are standing in a 4-room flat where we came to own and then disown. It was to hold our desires, wishes and nightmares, as tightly as you held my hand the first time. Who would know that melancholy was swimming beneath us, waiting to peek into our lives.

-bell of an aeroplane goes off, followed by announcement from the captain-

This ascension into the skies feels differently this time. At this damning altitude, nothing else matters except the stretch I'm about to make halfway across the world. This vessel may take me closer to the Gods, but my spirit is rooted in the flesh of my beloved."

Ahhh I miss cracking my skull open for inspiration.

Too Long of a Tweet

I haven't had a good sleep in a while. Troubled by the endless thoughts of having nothing to carry on in life. Film director? Haven't written or shot anything lately. Musician? Not talented enough. Girlfriend? Don't even get me started.

At the end of the day, I'm just trying to see that I'm worthwhile, but having accomplished nothing, it infuriates me. I'm cold, wasted and depleted. My self-worth is at an all-time low.

After seeing N with Aiman together really puts things in perspective, about how my life is gonna end up. My friends are all eventually gonna get married in a couple of years, while I struggle to find my voice in this fast-paced and multi-faceted society.

I'm going to be alone. I have already accepted my fate that I'm not worth anyone's dime or time.

Friends have told me I need to get a gap year or so to explore things around me. But I'm too afraid to quit my job, too afraid to lose something of stable income. Too sick to be independent, too sick to move around. Fuck, what the hell can I do now.

Clinging onto music is my last connection to this world. And when I'm sick and tired of it, I may want to off myself.

Having said that, I really dig Charlie's music. It's the last beautiful thing in my life that's keeping my ember alive.

Grade A for Awkward

Breaking the drought with an awkward story that is worth typing it all down.

So I was hanging out with a friend at the Esplanade Library, and she roped in another friend to help her design a poster for her student film. I was just there because I had nothing else to do.

Nothing much happened during, but C had to leave for her church service afterwards so she left us strangers together to walk to the nearest train station.

I knew if I had kept silent like I always do with new people, things between us would really be awkward, and I didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable, so I tried to engage her in a conversation and put the focus on her.

While waiting for the train, we were talking about her job as a graphic designer/artist in her company and she suddenly said to me:

"I'm sorry, but this is awkward for me to talk about my job.."
"Oh, why? (looks around) Is there someone...?"
"It's just awkward for me to talk..."
"So you'd rather have us be in silence the whole train ride back?"
"Well, I could take the train from the other side..."

Things got awkwardly silent again. I just stood there with my hands in my pockets feeling like a fool.

We got into the train like people who didn't know each other. Then one stop later, she said she had to go to Somerset, apologized again, and left the train carriage.

I'm a little peeved by the fact that I went out of my comfort zone to not make her suffer in awkward silence, and yet she still feels discomfort. It's like I shouldn't have tried at all. Just ignore her presence and walk away.

So much for being the less awkward one.

2014 Movies: In Review

Just gonna come right out and say: I haven't really watch a lot of movies the last year. Don't know why, but I just happened to watch one every few weeks. I guess it's a more contemplative year for me? I think the list itself reflects it.

Don't get me wrong, I love these movies this year: Guardians of the Galaxy, 22 Jump Street (Channing Tatum's "My name is Jeff!"), Captain America 2 (Surprisingly solid action) and Amazing Spider-Man 2(Gwen's death is probably saddest thing to ever happen to a Spider-Man movie, other than the abysmal Spider-Man 3) etc.

So Top 10, here it goes..

10) Interstellar

Everyone should know by now: Chris Nolan's sci-fi adventure is nothing short of ambition and grand vision. It's a gorgeous-looking film at times, shot by Hoyte Van Hoytema and aided by the amazing VFX work done by Double Negative. The looks of the voyages are visually the best parts of the movie. The cast is a bunch of top-notch talents, led by Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain. And you even get Casey Afleck, Michael Caine and John Lithgow. Special mention goes out to Mackenzie Foy for her realistic and charming portrayal of McConaughey's on-screen daughter. If you're not into the science of the movie, their relationship alone tugs at the audience's heartstrings, and you're just waiting for them to be reunited. And this is where the movie falters just a bit. It's overlong and pacing is a bit erratic. I thought the editing could be much tighter and it could have been a lot shorter. But why complain so much when you have one of the best churning out great, great visual stories. Strap in, you're in for a bumpy ride for this one.

9) Nightcrawler

The story follows a hardworking man, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, hungry for success and he chances upon a scene where a citizen was filming an accident wreckage in the night and sold his footage to news channels. One thing led to another, Lou Bloom starts out on his own and goes out to film crimes and whatnot, as long it's deemed good content. Gyllenhaal is haunting and creepy beyond measure in this one. I haven't seen anyone played such a scheming and maniacal role to perfection in a long time. The L.A backdrop, reminiscent of Drive, succinctly adds more layers to his deceitful character. But also, at the same time, you can understand where his determination and drive comes from, as he explains it so well in the film. It's a movie that explores the human nature's striving for the best results and what we deem as "newsworthy" content, and it pushes over the edge and crosses the line. By far, it's one of the best scripts ever to come out this year and a masterclass performance from Jake Gyllenhaal.

8) Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Firstly, the visual effects in this was simply jaw-dropping. Andy Serkis and the entire gang at WETA have done a tremendous job at giving us really authentic apes that are almost too real to look at. I was never a fan of Apes series, but this one really has a social commentary that is relevant and timely. I saw the first one and didn't really give much thought to it, but I knew it was a good film. This sequel, directed by Matt Reeves (Cloverfield and Let Me In; both good films) really outdid himself. The set design, the amount of thought and time that went into it was incredible, and the end results show it. This is a rare summer blockbuster with action scenes that makes audience sit in awe and put on their thinking caps. Can't wait to see where the film goes. 

7) The Raid 2: Berandal

I named The Raid Redemption as one my favourite movies in its year, and now the sequel is in another my top-10-movie list of another year. Honestly, this shit is good. With the budget significantly bigger this time, you can tell with its huge, action sequences in many different locations. The thing about action movies these days, they don't pace themselves. They're often shot in dark places, lots of close-ups and using body doubles to clear up their mistakes, but The Raid series never shies itself from it. They are all shot differently and are the choreographies are very distinct from each other. The pacing and rhythm sometimes doesn't let up and you're just along for the intense ride. It's perhaps my favorite action series of all time. Story-wise? It's bigger this time, but also much more clunkier as it takes cliches from typical mafia movies. They could trimmed it a bit more, but overall, The Raid: Berandal is a solid hit. Massive kudos to director Gareth Evans and its star Iko Uwais.

6) Gone Girl

Gone Girl, directed by David Fincher, stars Ben Afleck and Rosamund Pike as a married couple, Nick and Amy Dunne, whose relationship deteriorates over the years, and then one day, poof, Amy disappears, possibly kidnapped and murdered. If you haven't read anything about this movie, I highly suggest you don't search for it, because the experience of it is gonna blow your mind. As the movie takes its 2.5hr long runtime, slowly peeling and peeling away the plot for you to see, you're gonna be sucked into it. And I can't tell you enough how amazing it is. Gillian Flynn, who wrote the screenplay, has probably one of the greatest scripts this year, and to have your story directed by David Fincher is a fortunate event. Because he is a great story-teller; he paces it for the viewers, withholds the info and gives them bits and bits of it, until it's time of the reveal! Then he still continues, sharing the consequences of his characters. Gone Girl may come off as cynical, narcissistic and over-the-top, but, oh, Fincher loves reveling in our darkest human psyche, and it's brilliant stuff.

I kinda got tired writing all these sentences, so I'm gonna just reveal the top 5 films in order. Reasons for loving them? There are plenty and mostly, they're shot, acted and put together really well. And the stories are just engaging, thoughtful and inventive, whichever period (or medium) they were set in. Some are comedies, some are dramas, but ultimately, they have one thing in common: They've achieved what they set out to do: Tell a great story.

5) The Grand Budapest Hotel

Directed by Wes Anderson

4) The Lego Movie

Directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller

3) The Wind Rises

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

2) Blue is the Warmest Color

Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche

1) Her

Directed by Spike Jonze