The Star Online: Entertainment: Music
The Star Online: Entertainment: Music |
| Posted: 30 Apr 2013 03:22 AM PDT IS there such a thing as a Manchester sound these days? Of all the much storied British music scenes, the legacy of the post punk, indie and rock scene from Manchester, England has transcended several generations, with music fans – young and old – still buzzed about the legacies of Factory Records, Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, the "Madchester" bands and the more mainstream triumphs of Oasis in the 1990s. The pressure to escape the Manchester textbook when it comes to music must be difficult. Or do newer bands from that rainy day city subscribe to its past music legacies? "It's not so much a 'sound' anymore because that disappeared with the growth of the Internet and every genre being readily available to anyone," said frontman James Cook, from the indie electro outfit Delphic, hailing from Stockport, which is a town just outside the Manchester city centre. Delphic plays a gig at The Bee, Publika in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow as part of the venue's Upfront live series. "But it's definitely the legacy and the mindset of the people from Manchester that affect local bands and artistes," he added in an email interview. In terms of music, Delphic's debut Acolyte in 2010 was a love letter to Factory Records, but the group has broadened its sound on its new album Collections, released in January. Collections, sees the band leaving the brooding, monochromatic mood of Acolyte, and trying out electro pop flourishes, vocal harmonies and even the odd stab at R&B and hip hop. "We wanted to make it clear that just because we are three guys who play guitars and keyboards, we don't have to stick to the usual template forced on bands. If you listen to other genres of music, such as R&B and jazz, and start reflecting that in your music, you're going to sound like a mish-mash of styles." Cook maintained that Delphic is at a career stage where the music genre lines are being blurred, and it is vital to keep moving ahead. "We feel that is how new genres and new things that interest our ears can be found." Part of the reason for this evolution was because the style reflected in the group's debut has become so saturated in popular music. The excitement was gone. For the new record, the idea was to add more texture to the music, namely recording with a more varied set of instruments and even using other musicians where necessary. "We've taken the important step away from looking at ourselves as a band because that has too many limitations," added Cook. "Instead, we are viewing Delphic as more of a production team." With such a career profile acquired so quickly, comes the expectation that Delphic is a special act, which is why fans of the group here are anticipating a riot of a show tomorrow. "Some of the best shows we've done have been in small clubs, and some of the worst shows can be in front of huge uninterested festival crowds," said Cook before issuing a rallying call to Delphic's fans in these parts. He also wants to learn "some Malay" to connect with the masses. "It all relies on the audience, we urge you to dance, sing the words back to us if you know them and put your hands in the air! We'll all have a great night when this happens." > Upfront presents Delphic at The Bee, Publika, Kuala L:umpur tomorrow at 8pm. Tickets cost RM148. This gig is above-18 only. For bookings, call 03-6201 8577 or visit thebee.com.my. Email: bees@thebee.com.my. |
| Posted: 29 Apr 2013 04:03 PM PDT Local rock institution Wings rolled back the years with a high-octane performance at Istana Budaya – albeit with a twist. IT'S been 27 years and 17 albums since Klang Valley-raised hard rock act Wings soared into our lives and the quartet shows no signs of slowing down, as evidenced in its latest concert series – Wings Rockestra. The concert series at Istana Budaya, which ends tonight, is a culmination of three months of hard work, detailed planning and renewed passion, before the eagerly-awaited release of the band's latest album, Menakluk Kosmos. And judging by the 1,500-strong turnout at Istana Budaya last Thursday, the concert promised non-stop, rock-out entertainment and some surprises. The band was complemented by the 43-piece National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), led by Mustafa Fuzer Nawi. With an expansive 20-song setlist (21 if you include two guitar solos), including evergreen hits such as Misteri Mimpi Syakilla, Taman Rashidah Utama, Opera Hidup and Sejati, the concert presented the band with an opportunity to revisit its vast catalogue and dust off some rare, live gems such as Dari Tuhan, Kota Kemusnahan, Amok, Alam Barzakh, and Awang Trasher. The quartet, decked in suits that wouldn't look out of place in a fashion magazine, made a stylish entrance as it emerged from beneath the stage. They kicked off the show with Amok, a foot-stomping, riff-heavy number. The orchestra gamely matched the tempo of the band – some of the musicians were smiling as they fiddled and strummed away with gusto. A few numbers on, sections of the crowd was seen headbanging to the lush soundscape. The heavier numbers such as Ameringgo, Alam Barzakh and Awang Trasher were perfectly suited to the orchestral accompaniment. The orchestra beefed up the original melodies, making them sound fuller and heavier. The musical production was good – every instrument had a clean and clear sound. From where the writer was seated, the intimate settings enhanced the acoustics of the hall. On the contrary, some fans seated at the back of the hall complained that the sound was muted, especially during the power-packed classics. Awie, 45, who was at his visceral best during the heavier numbers, displayed a softer side during Sayap Illusi, as he effortlessly switched gears from the hard to the heartfelt. As the consummate showman, Awie was humourous and affable throughout, as he put the crowd at ease in their seats. Midway through, came the surprise in the shape of guitar virtuoso Hillary Ang and Indonesian rock legend, Ian Antono. And with guitarist Joe, 44, who is also the concert's musical director, the three amigos served up a serve-and-volley rendition comparable to G3 (Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Eric Johnson). Antono made an immediate impression when he jammed the first bluesy number with his eyes practically closed. Economical in movement, Ang let his guitar do the talking throughout, as he rocked with the band right to the very last number. Joe's erstwhile riffing and cajoling of the six-string had the crowd lapping up to every lick, from the soulful to the searing. The hard-hitting style of drummer Black, 47, was best captured in Ameringgo, the heaviest number of the night. He smiled and pounded away without a care in the world for two-and-a-half hours, leaving the majority of the audience in awe. Bassist Eddie, 45, matched Black beat-for-beat, powering the band's rhythmic formation on, as he plucked away in his usual cool manner. And as the unlikely marriage of rock and opera draws to a close today, the Wings boys would have been glad that they have nailed it with tantalising triumph. > Limited tickets are available for Wings Rockestra's final show at Istana Budaya in Kuala Lumpur tonight. Call 012-298 8446 / 017-652 8423 / 03-4026 5555 for details. Browse: ticket2u.biz. |
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