It was released to Italian radio through Geffen Records on September 3, 2021, as the fifth and final single from Rodrigo's debut album Sour. Enough of Electrico and The Great Spy Experiment already." Brutal" (stylized in all lowercase) is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo. The local music scene today features so many more new musicians that are seriously worth checking out. From an instrumental post-rock band to ambient soundscapers to straightforward rock ’n’ rollers, these acts demand to be heard. Who are they? Guitarist/producer/laptop programmer Nick Chan and drummer Edwin Leong recently played an absorbing three-song gig at indie bar Home. By the time they finished, we were mesmerized. MUON also produced local rock band Astreal’s acclaimed album Fragments of the Same Dead Star last year, and has had many gigs, including fashion shows like Wardrobe at Zouk and at the opening of the RedDot Design Awards. What sound? Initially comprising solely of just music ingénue Nick Chan, MUON has moved on from its more electronica-driven soundscapes (as heard in previous releases Reprogrammed: Modules for Serial Killers (2002) and In Flught (2004)) to being more rock-ish and organic. MUON’s brand of explosive rock, samples, moody electronica and ambient guitar (think a soundtrack befitting the next Sofia Coppola film) is a dream for the initiated. Why listen? This is as good as it gets when it comes to local acts. MUON’s sound has progressed and matured over the years, and is more robust than ever. As stated by Chan: “These days, the music is more mechanical and colder.but musically, we’ve also managed to touch on the cerebral and intellectual.” We couldn’t agree more. Word Up: “For the first few productions and releases, I was still feeling my way around,” says Chan. “But in terms of sensibilities, MUON have always had a band-like quality. Our musical performance is still evolving, and we’re still finding ways to harvest our sound.” Technically, I’m not very comfortable with just the laptop, which is why it’s important for the group to incorporate some live music components too. What next? Look out for the highly-anticipated album The New Mutants under indie label Wallwork Records mid this year. Tracks on the album, like the emotional “Love Drops” and soaring and head-banging 10-minute opus “This is Not the End,” will send you to kingdom come and back. Who are they? Comprising guitarist Amran Khamis, bassist Yamani Ismail, guitarist/keyboardist/laptop programmers Johnny Mo and Nico Santino, and drummer Zahir Sanosi, I am David Sparkle was formed in 2001 as an improvisational instrumental collective, and was mainly known among fringe music lovers. After going through some reshuffling, the group features a tighter and more competent lineup today. What sound? The group creates slow-burning soundscapes reminiscent of Explosions in the Sky, Godspeed You Black Emperor and Mogwai’s, but less dramatic. Their first self-titled independent EP, released in Nov last year, is a testament to the group’s musical artistry and brilliance. Why listen? Comprising just two tracks-“Apocalypse of the Heart” and “2024”-which average about 20 minutes each, these numbers are drawn-out, organic and riveting all at the same time. Layers upon layers of guitars create a textural mood that ranks with some of the best post-rock sounds out there. Word Up: “We’ve always been an instrumental band all this while, but in terms of mood, our sound has progressed from apocalyptic to hopeful,” says Khamis. “Our sound/songs tend to be lengthy and perhaps a bit self-indulgent. But we are trying to move away from that, and keep our songs shorter. We see making music as an act of self-expression and a creative tool, and we don’t really care if we don’t sell that many CDs. If people are interested to come along for the ride, sure, if not, no worries.” After all, when we release the tracks, we see it as a form of documentation. What next? Gigs at the upcoming Good Vibrations Festival and regional music festival JamAsia in KL next month will put the group on a more popular pedestal. I am David Sparkle is now available at Straits Records, 43 Haji Lane, 9431-1572. Who are they? The group, lead by singer/songwriter/guitarist Randolf Arriola, has been around since the early ’90s, performing gigs at the defunct Moods Café. Today, The Embryo also comprises singer/bassist Wendy Phua (formerly of Zhen) and drummer Mervyn Asher.
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