Monday, June 30, 2008

Prana


This multi-racial band, which has been around the Malaysian music scene for several years now, was first introduced to the public as a rap-core band in the compilation album titled 'Family Day' after being approached by recording company, Posse Records. The band later produced the Funk Core Rap album, 'Have a Nice Jaywalk', which was released under Posse Records. The highly enthusiastic album resulted in Prana being nominated for the AIM 2001 awards for Best New English Artiste.

The promotions and shows however, interrupted their studies as at that time, all the members were still pursuing their education. Due to this, they took a break from the music scene. Two years later, now former bassist, Pablo Torrejon, came back to Kuala Lumpur to finish their second album under the bands own independent label, Laguna Records. Recording of the bands second album got underway at the bands own recording studio called Greenhouse Studio set-up in Ampang.

The bands vibes come from a mixture of different types of musical influences and cultures. Prana write highly enthusiastic songs that deal with interesting places and fascinating people that they meet in their lives. Prana's musical influence would be reggae, funk, metal and drum & bass only combining these all into their own style creating Greenhouse Effect. The band spent three months creating the songs and recording at the same time. Some of the tracks on the Greenhouse Effect album were mixed and mastered in Los Angeles. Prana's second album, Greenhouse Effect has since been released under Laguna Records in 2003 and distributed by Universal Music Malaysia.

In the end of 2005, Prana's latest album was released. Disc 03, comes after major line-up changes. With vocalist Eric Ruffin leaving the band, guitarist Jamir Adiong took over the roll as lead vocalist. Former Lyme bassist, Azman Ali, then joined the band as bassist. The album, quite different from the previous two, incorporates a blend of all the influences brought to by the changes, giving it an amazing blend of sounds.

Meet Uncle Hussain


Kugiran rock Melayu 'independent' drp Kuala Lumpur.......Voted for Best DIY 2005 by ROTTW. Have 2 songs; Lagu Untukmu and Lalala Kerja in the OST of KAMI. Lagu Untukmu was selected as the theme song for the show while Lalala Kerja is the opening montage song for the TV series.

The Corumn a.k.a Corumn 80's

Band members :
Vocalist - As
Bassist - Nanai
Drum - Ellon
Guitarist - Yoe


Sunday, June 29, 2008

Nice Stupid Playground

Nicestupidplayground was formed in Sarawak, Malaysia in 1992 and fronted by Charles Rossem. Musically, they are influenced by the now defunct early 80s British sounds. The current band members are Charles Rossem (vocals), John Boniface (bassist), Abdul Aziz Sahal (guitars), Bendy Ismardy (drums), Nellfee (guitars) and Abdul Hadi (keyboards). Nellfee and Abdul Hadi was recruited early 2005 before the recording of the new album. In 1996, John Boniface (bassist) sent their most successful demo titled Thirtyzeroeight to Paul Moss, one of Positive Tones highly rated producer. The demo automatically caught Paul Moss interest and immediately offered nicestupidplayground a compilation album deal. The compilation which was released in 1997 entitled Boys & Girls 1 + 1 = 3 in which nicestupidplayground contributed 3 songs- Bedroom Window, She Wants and and I dont admire . Bedroom Window was the main single for the compilation and was well received everywhere. It was a successful year for nicestupidplayground when the compilation was awarded a Double Platinum from album sales and caught music critics attention when the compilation album won The Best English Album at the Anugerah Industri Muzik in 1997. To topped a successful year for nicestupidplayground, Bedroom Window was handpicked in Hong Kong by Holywood movie producer Wayne Wang, to be included as a soundtrack to the movie titled The Chinese Box which starred Jeremy Irons and Gong Li. Bedroom Window video which was directed by Planet Films also won Monthly Best Music Video (March) in the Video Muzik show. Prior to that, Bedroom Window was nominated in five categories at the finals of Anugerah Video Muzik (Video Music Awards)1997. Dubbed as Sarawaks best kept secret, nicestupidplayground success follows with a full length album deal offered by Positive Tone. In 1999, they started working on their new album and by December 1999, a new first single stereogirl was released and immediately topped several local chart show. In February 2000, the first full length album my life is my parents biggest television was released and at the same time, a music video for Stereogirl was shot. Stereogirl music video was awarded 3rd Best Music Video at the Malaysian Video Awards (MVA) in 2000. The album also received good reviews from music critics everywhere but unfortunately the album sales are not too convincing. Nicestupidplayground parted with Positive Tone in 2003 due to a change of management. They did get an offer to record a full length Malay album but were not keen to persue the project. However, nicestupidplayground keep on performing at numerous shows both in East Malaysia and the Peninsular during their quiet period. They keep on writing new songs and hoping somewhere, somehow there will be an offer a deal by any label or perhaps a potential investor who are willing to invest. Finally in 2005, nicestupidplayground was offered an album deal by Mr. Clinton Ang who is now the spokeperson cum manager for the band. All the new songs were recorded between May October 2005 at Zanzibar Media in Kuching, Sarawak. The album is called A Beautiful Life and musically tagged as the new BorneoPop, most of the new songs sounding pretty much from the 80s New Wave era. Nicestupidplayground hope to catch up with their fans whove been waiting for something new from the band for the past 5 years. The 10 new songs mentioned are 1. beautiful life 2. miracle 3. happy 4. chasing butterfly 5. telecommusication 6. if all else fails 7. stronger than before 8. closer 9. my teenage view 10. because we are With a new self-released album out, they hope to prove to any major labels that signing them will never be a mistake.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Force Vomit

Force Vomit, born in Singapore.
The sordid saga that is the Vorce Fomit story started in late 1993 when four night-shift taxi drivers decided to take musical matters into their own hands and start their own band. This motley crue of treble spankers has had many line-up changes and messy misadventures since then - with one thing in common - they still can't play their instruments properly. Despite charming obstacles like being expected to play for free 90% of the time (and in the few instance when they do get moolah, get labelled 'sellout' by dogmatic scenesters) and a media that tries its best to pretend 'local music' doesn't exist (and in the few instance when they do get exposure, get labelled 'sellout' by dogmatic scenesters), these style-deprived shenanigans are here to stay.

One Buck Short

Founded by Hafiz (previously on bass) and Rahul (guitars) in high school, this awesome foursome began their career playing shows at school events and battle of the bands competitions before coming out in the local scene with a handful of experience and a truckload of rockin’ songs that’ll definitely get you bopping, hopping and moshing non-stop. With a love for So-Cal Punk, One Buck Short has developed into one of the leading rock acts in the region.

Their debut single ‘That Day’ from their EP ‘Where Is The Mouse?!’ managed to break through to the Top 5 on the Hitz.fm Malaysian Top Ten with the band promoting their release with performances at both low-key underground shows as well as high profile shows such as ‘Rock the World IV’, ‘Rock the World V’ as well as the Asian X Games. The band was also nominated as the Best Newcomer artist in the first ever Hitz.FM Malaysian English Top 10 awards held in 2004. In 2006, the band was nominated again for ‘Best Rock’ and ‘Best Live Act’ in Malaysia. With the achievements of their independent EP, OBS have made a great impact to modern urban punk rock music by displaying powerful energetic stage performances that woe their audiences. Currently the band is putting finishing touches on their debut album under the hands of talented producer / arranger Greg Henderson. With the first English single, “FAST TIMES” and first ever Malay single by the band, “KELIBAT KORUPSI” blasting through the airwaves in Malaysia and Singapore, One Buck Short’s upcoming album, “HALAL & LOVING IT” is already regarded by many as one of the most anticipated releases of 2007.

Quote from MTV Asia Marketing and Communications Manager: “One Buck Short is power-packed urban punk rock, they represent the best in raw, home-grown talent – and with a litany of chart-toppers, awards and fans across the region to boot”. One Buck Short is also fresh of opening for Fall Out Boy in Singapore as part of the international rock bands only stop on their “Infinity on High” world tour early this year as well as an MTV LIVE production with Good Charlotte in Kuala Lumpur in April 2007. The band is also the only Malaysian act that performed at the inaugural Singapore Festival (SingFest 07) in August. This saw One Buck Short sharing the stage with current heavyweights in the industry like Sugar Ray, Gym Class Hero’s, The Academy Is, Hinder, MXPX and so much more. OBS ended 2007 with a bang, supporting My Chemical Romance for their show in Malaysia. Come 2008, One Buck Short will be looking to tour South East Asia to support their brand new release - Halal & Loving It.

Love Me Butch

In short, Love Me Butch's focused procession of channeled aggression and steely resolve holds you firmly in their grasp that surely only intensifies in its live format. Reza's ability to scream and howl with the finest in addition to lightly glide in the various time-changing moments, allows breathing room for Meng's guitar to cut effectively as Kong's bass and Singh's drums anchor it all without restraint as can be felt particularly between the seamless link of "Dream Of My Own" and "Fortress Of A Million." The final turn and lap into the reflective, self-disclosing jangling quiet closer of "Living In Disguise" gives further proof that Love Me Butch are keen to reveal themselves, determined to boldly travel the world.

The Official



Tahun 1997 adalah telah menyaksikan penubuhan dan kemunculan kumpulan ini. The Official (satu slanga jalanan yang bermaksud yang terbaik) yang digunakan oleh remaja-remaja di sekitar Johor Bahru telah dipilih sebagai nama kumpulan ini. Berkonsepkan oi! pada ketika itu, The Official yang ditubuhkan oleh Hasnol telah mengejutkan pendengar-pendengar muzik underground dengan kehadiran E.P pertama mereka berjudul JB Riot Skins pada tahun yang sama dibawah naungan Strange Culture Records(kini Clockwork Records). Dengan jualan yang melebihi 15,000 unit tanpa sebarang promo, The Official sekaligus menjadi sebuah kumpulan yang digilai pendengar-pendengar muzik underground Malaysia, Singapura, Indonesia dan juga negara-negara Eropah.

Jadual tempahan-tempahan gig ataupun show di dalam dan luar negara yang ketat tidak menghalang The Official untuk keluar dengan album pertama mereka berjudul Remember Yesterday yang telah di keluarkan pada tahun 1998 dibawah naungan label yang sama dan line-up yang sama (Magoo-vocalist, Hasnol-guitarist, Congo-bassist dan Bum-drummer). Dengan berkonsepkan Rock n Roll, sekali lagi The Official berjaya bertahkta di hati peminat-peminat mereka. Dengan sebuah album yang patriotik dimana mereka meluahkan cinta terhadap Malaysia. Sekali lagi tanpa sebarang promo, jualan album ini telah melebihi 13,000 unit dan kali ini The Official bukan sahaja diminati oleh peminat muzik underground malah pendengar muzik mainstream.

Selepas mengeluarkan Remember Yesterday, The Official terus aktif memenuhi undangan-undangan dan tempahan-tempahan gig ataupun show untuk beberapa tahun sehingga Hasnol, Congo dan Bum terpaksa menarik diri di atas pelanggaran jadual kerja. Tempat Hasnol telah diisi oleh Sarah dan bersama Azim (bassist), Rizal (drummer) dan Amir (lead guitarist), E.P kedua, A Tribute To JB Riot yang berkonsepkan Indie telah dikeluarkan di atas desakan peminat-peminat mereka pada tahun 2001 di bawah naungan Clockwork Records.

Pengunduran line-up berlaku sekali lagi dan The Official terpaksa mengundang rakan-rakan sessionist bagi memenuhi jadual undangan dan tempahan gig ataupun show yang semakin ketat. Album kedua (yang masih mengekalkan konsep Oi!, Rock n Roll dan Indie), Youll Never See The Last of Us telah dikeluarkan pada tahun 2003 di bawah naungan Clockwork Records. Magoo, Sarah dan Amir telah menggunakan khidmat Wari selaku pemain drum dan terus menjadi idola peminat-peminat mereka.

Undangan dan tempahan gig ataupun show The Official kini bukan hanya di seluruh semenanjung, Sabah, Sarawak dan Singapura sahaja, malah Indonesia, Jepun, England, Amerika Syarikat, Mexico, Brazil dan Jerman juga tidak henti-henti ingin menjemput The Official ke negara mereka untuk mengadakan tour namun komitmen kerja telah memperlahankan pergerakkan The Official dan akhirnya di atas desakan yang tidak henti-henti dari peminat-peminat mereka, kini (2006) The Official kembali lagi dengan album ketiga mereka Realiti Rock N Roll. Dengan berkonsepkan Rock N Roll dan Indie, The Official yang masih di bawah naungan Clockwork Records merealisasikan impian peminat-peminat mereka yang sekian lama ingin mendengar Magoo menyanyi di dalam Bahasa Melayu. Setelah pengunduran Sarah dan Amir di atas komitmen kerja, Hasnol kini kembali selaku guitarist, Magoo selaku vocalist, Hassan selaku bassist, Enol selaku Drummer dan Fendi selaku 2nd guitarist undangan.

Download :

The Official - Terima Kasih Semua.mp3

The Official - Satu.mp3

The Official - Alam Fantasi.mp3

The Official - Disisimu.mp3

The Official - Aku Tetap Diriku.mp3

The Official - Remember Yesterday.mp3

The Official - Proud To Be Malaysian.mp3


Couple

Malaysian power pop band Couple are a self-effacing bunch when it comes to their music, calling themselves "incompetent" musicians with "dodgy" songcraft. With a slew of positive reviews from the press however, there's clearly nothing "incompetent" or "dodgy" about Couple, and they're proving it with a set of international gigs under their belt.

Honing their craft since 1995, Couple is one of the best-kept secrets of the underground music scene in Malaysia and Singapore. Their highly infectious and addictive melodies consistently put the smiles on crowds at their live performances, so it's no surprise that Couple is on the verge of gaining international recognition.

When the band released their fourth demo Listening To The Pop, it received a glowing review on an American online magazine that led to enquiries from various record labels overseas. Couple has since signed with Sizzleteen Records, a small upstate New York based record label, staying faithful to their indie roots.

With an American label in place, the path is being paved. Plans to release their debut album in America aside, Couple will also have a song included in the International Pop Overthrow Compilation Vol. 9 compilation CD, following in the footsteps of previously featured artists like Fountains of Wayne, Brendan Benson, AM Radio and Jellyfish.

Record labels in Australia and Japan have also expressed interest so it looks like international adulation won't be too far off for the group who has a string of performances lined up.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Skudap Skudip

Bukan sudu bukan sudip, Tetapi Skudap Skudip. This band was established since 2005. Dodd the vocalist formed Skudap-Skudip, the band members consist of:

The A.C.A.B

THE A.C.A.B. was originally formed as a Street Rock band, A.C.A.B. ('94-'03) back in 1994. The founding members were Max Hafiz (Megat Hafiz) & Edy J Herwan, both KL City based lads played in the same previous band before. Hardy Sham, Black & Anas later joined and A.C.A.B. started gigging across almost each & every states in Malaysia right after releasing a self-titled demo in '95. A.C.A.B. then recorded an EP, followed by 3 albums with 2 Live albums and also few singles, another EP, compilations & tribute albums with several line up changes occurred during the whole process. Zul, Botak & Irfan were among others who also played with A.C.A.B. on various recordings & gigs/concerts. A.C.A.B. latter enjoyed the recognitions of being the Godfather of Eastern Oi!/Street Rock & inspired the birth of Ska music in Malaysia.

A.C.A.B. played the very last gig in '03 & while Max (also formerly known as Magskin) had to leave the country, other former band members were & still are enjoying quite successful musical careers with their own bands respectively such as Edy J with Gerhana Ska Cinta & Irfan with The Times. A.C.A.B. released the very last album in '04 which was recorded in '03 & a 'Tribute to A.C.A.B.' album was then recorded by various bands in '04 & it marked the end of an era of the 'Absolute Chaotic Asian Band' and it sparked a revival of the Eastern Oi!/Street Rock movement from the new generation.

After being an absentee for 2 years, Max has decided to have another go at it. Accompanied by former band members, Edy J & Irfan with the newly appointed Mono, THE A.C.A.B. is born. It's 'THE' A.C.A.B., or pronounced as D' A.C.A.B. (English anyone?). But this time it's a different agenda altogether. Blistering new sounds of Indie Rock with no limitations or boundaries whatsoever. The whole idea of it is simply for the freedom of expressions & to offer an alternative to the Malaysian music industry specifically & to introduce THE A.C.A.B.'s mixture of Asian & western melodies on independent rock music to the rest of the world, generally.

The debut album, 'This Is THE A.C.A.B.' is out now! For more information, log on to - www.theacab.com

The Times

This is The Times Rock n Roll band from Malaysia. The Band was formed on 31st August 2004 by two Brothers Naza and Mono, who are really into British mod culture and musical influences. Not long after that, Alem (ex- Nerd), Hamzah (DJ Acid Mods), and Irfan (Ex- A.C.A.B) joined the party after realizing that they have common taste and interest. The Beatles, The Who, Rolling Stones, Smith, Oasis and Stone Roses are among our favorites and inspiration. These are the bands that influenced us in terms of lyrics and songwriting as well as fashion and attitude... The band focus on ideas, creativity, originality and attitude... On 30 November 2004 the band released their 1st album entittled "Soda pop Rok n Rol". The album was nominated Top 5 best new artist to Anugerah Industri Muzik Malaysia 2005. an elegantly noisy pop celebration. By now their live shows were being talked of as something very special and they'd built an extensive, committed fan base. That's the history. Now in 2007 we have release our new records " NADA MELANKOLIK MALAYA" its a new benchmark for indie rock music with originality and fresh sound. Times are marching to new sound of melancholy.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Koffin Kanser

ARU and KOFFIN KANSER One of the most outstanding heavy metal band in Malaysia, who had never fail to thrill the audience every time they perform on stage. The members of the band has successfully collaborated with numerous famous local artiste in various projects.

Download :

Flossy

Flossy was born somewhere in the year 1998. The band started out gigging around town from north to south Malaysia and eventually recorded the first demo titled 'Burn it out and fade it away' that sold a staggering 500 copies on the year 2000. With the hype of success the band was soon featured on compilation album 'Family Trip' that was produced by Bob ku2 and released their first album titled 'Flossy: In The Middle'(2002). Flossy also engineered their EP entitled 'Im your mirror' in 2003, shifting their new influences to a more alternative feel and Flossy last release is an compilation entitled 'asian grunge compilation' 2008 that sold around malaysia, indonesia and singapore.


Hujan

Formed in early 2006, this wave-worthy band consists of Noh on vocals and 2nd guitar, Dimas on bass, Iyag on 1st guitar and Ambobzeela on drums. Influenced by a diverse range of bands which include the likes of The Strokes, Butterfingers, and even Pot Amir Radiostaq, Hujan prefers to classify their music as alternative rock and has no qualms about delivering their material in Malay. Living and breathing the element they take their name after, their music alternates between the light, heavy and the torrential storm a reflection of the many stories, moods and agendas embedded in their songs. They sing about everything from love, God, family and to the happenings of the world.

Bittersweet

Bittersweet began in mid-2004 with 2 members who had the same musical interests. Both played in an Ipoh band before, and got to know each other well during that time. Herri and Zabil occasionally met to hangout and eventually decided to try their hand at writing music together. Both heavily influenced by British music, the two decided to put their heads together and record an EP, just for fun.
After the recording was completed Herri and Zabil distributed the material for feedback, which was mainly positive. When Zabil joined the Malaysian teaching force he had to quit the band, which left Bittersweet with only one of its founding members. Determined not to abandon what they started, Herri set about forming a complete line-up, particularly considering they'd been invited by Pet Projects to perform at Couple's EP launch. He enlisted Dinie as their bassist first of all, before adding Hafiez (guitarist) to the line-up, Pijie as Bittersweet's vocalist with Emai ..boards. Bittersweet finished recording their 2nd EP (Night and Morning Tales) on November 2004. They?|ve been invited for shows at PISA Penang on January 2005. The feedback of the 2nd EP and the shows at Penang which were more massive than before. Bittersweet have been invited for plenty of shows after that in KL and Penang.
Starting 2006, Bittersweet been received a rave reviews from the crowd and people mostly in Klang Valley itself. Bittersweet finished recorded their 1st single (A Perfect Match) on June 2006. The singles feedback was heavily impressive and the track A Perfect Match has been played in many radio stations such as Fly fm, Hot fm, Hitz.fm and Mix fm. They also had been invited to play for a show at Baybeats festival 2006. By the end of 2006, Bittersweet has launched their 1st debut album, Perfect Match, on 16th December 2006 during Rock The World 7. Two months later, after the album has released, they started for a tour around the country. The tour began at 10th April which the first place that they gonna rock was KLPAC, Kuala Lumpur. Then,they went to JB(11th March), Malacca(17th March), Penang(8th April), Ipoh(14th April) and the last place was Sarawak on 28th April. The tour was good and successful.
After the Malaysian tour, Bittersweet in planning to broaden their music to the audiences around the South East Asia region. Finally Bittersweet comprises of 5 members that are Pijie(Lead Vocals), Herri(Lead Guitar / Vocals), Hafie (2nd Guitar / Vocals), Dinie(Bass), Emai(Keys / Synth) and a sessionist drummer.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Carburetor Dung



Carburetor Dung released their first album, Songs For Friends in 1993. The album featured Fendi and Joe with vocalist Shahlan (of Terengganu's pioneering punk band Mallaria), drummer Lan Bear of The Infectious Maggots and lead guitarist Pari of Against Racism of Today.

The next release came in 1999 with the mini-album The Allure of Manure. At the time, the band featured Fendi and Joe Kidd with drummer Ollie of Silent Death and vocalist Lee from The Pilgrims. Some tracks from the mini-album appeared on a 7" single in London in 2000. It was called Sheepfarming in Malaysia.

Between the releases, the band appeared in a few compilations and played all around the country. The band appeared on 'Dari Jemapoh ke Mancheste' movie directed by well-known activist Hishamuddin Rais. They contributed three songs for the soundtrack album to the movie.

After a long hiatus in the late-90s, the band became active briefly in 2002 before a year of limbo.

In 2004, the band was joined by drummer Apuk (from Kuchalana) and later a new vocalist Alak (from the band Pusher), and Carburetor Dung started playing shows again. By late 2005, The band acquired a new drummer Bullet (of Nemesis, Punisher and The Shitworkers). The band recorded a track for the Radio Malaya compilation in in December 2005.

Between 2005 to 2007, Carburetor Dung constantly played shows in Kuala Lumpur. A new album is planned for a 2007 release.

Early 2008, Tom of the band The Bollocks joined the band on the other guitar.

Download :

Carburetor Dung - Slam safe today.mp3
Carburetor Dung - Song for a friend.mp3
Carburetor Dung - Boo hoo clapping song(Live).mp3
Carburetor Dung - Liar!.mp3
Carburetor Dung - Happy.mp3

MUCK



The band, first started as a side-project for Myo & Ducktoi in the middle of 1994 has now becoming a serious band after playing in lot of shows and gigs all over Malaysia since it formation. After various changes of line-up, Kujoy has join in permanently on guitar. With Feroz on board (after the absent of Aie & Par) & officially filling the bass department. MUCK have evolved from a simple indie rock band to become more experimental with their music. Hence, MUCK have succeed in creating their own sound and style, and at the same time attracting more people becoming their followers due to their new, fresh & interesting sound.

For those of you who are unfamiliar and didn't have a chance to listen to MUCK before this, MUCK sounds can be describes as an experimental 80's american indie rock/lo-fi to noise pop. Among the bands that've inspired MUCK since the early days until now are SONIC YOUTH, DINOSAUR JR. , PAVEMENT & SEBADOH. All the bands that have been mentioned above have helped MUCK musically in creating and finding their own sound. Since then, MUCK is recognized by a lot of people as a unique band because of their own identity, originality & style in the Malaysian indie/underground music scene.

Download :

Saturday, June 14, 2008

indetro...

welcome to da' house of independent and underground music like a ska, reggae, rock steady, pop, street rock, punk, metal and many more. So, enjoy it!!

Translate to your language