Foregoing the use of guitars, the bassist driven alternative rock band Anwiycti (A New World If You Can Take It) was one of the biggest music surprises of 2014.
The track “X” off their self-titled debut is a beautiful bass driven piece that washes over the listener like ocean currents. From the opening bass guitar strums to the song’s climatic crescendo, “X” helps cement the band as self-aware and mature songwriters.
The second, pure instrumental track off Chock Ma’s release “Dharma Bums” sees an exemplary blending of East and West.
Distinct Asian sounding guitar phrases and sorrowful erhu lines are filtered through a Western rock aesthetic, culminating in a beautiful and dynamic track that shimmers like its namesake.
Chock Ma on www, Soundcloud, Facebook, YouTube, Xiami, Weibo.
Coupled with a fun music video, GDJYB’s “Double NoNo” highlights the band’s colorful personality and technical prowess.
The focus is perhaps guitarist Soni’s intricate playing and the song’s dynamic arrangement. The track acts as a good sampling for one of Hong Kong’s most promising new acts.
It’s difficult to choose just one song from Law’s extensive library of songs, as each song by the blue tinged folk singer is an intimate experience of its own.
There are no hit singles off Law’s double CD release “Day & Night”, but folk music fans should find plenty to like on the album.
Jabin Law on Soundcloud, YouTube, Facebook, Blogspot.
Following up his debut EP “Party, Love & Dreams”, the ever hard working singer-songwriter Kevin Kaho Tsui dropped a full album “Dear Florence” last year.
The leading single “Tai Po” sports a bouncy cheerful melody, infectious groove and guitar section, making it a wonderful ode to the district he grew up in. “Tai Po” is a must listen, besides how can you say no to a song with such a killer whistling section?
What more can be said about Hong Kong hardcore legends King Ly Chee? They have been in the game for more than a decade and continue to inspire new talents. 2014 marks their 15th anniversary and to celebrate the band brings with them a new album called “CNHC”.
The leading plug, “Lost in a World”, leans more towards traditional punk, but retains what fans have grown to love about the band – unadulterated energy and pure aggression. The song is destined to become a pit staple at their shows for years to come.
“Damascus” off post rockers Life Was All Silence year end release, “The People”, showcases the band’s kinetic approach to music.
Full of tension and emotion, “Damascus” brings some well needed inspiration to the increasingly complacent genre.
Life Was All Silence on www, YouTube, Facebook, Xiami, Douban.
A new addition to the Harbour Record roster, Reonda writes sparse and introspective songs that may seem to contrast the grungier and full sounds coming from fellow label mates.
But a few more spins of her new EP “Moon” reveals a familiar lo-fi sensibility. “Moon” is like emotions laid bare and transformed into melodies, chords and lyrics. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a rainy day.
Emo outfit Sil Hung Mo accentuates the high octane power that comes with the genre. “Zhan Zhan” is a moody track that boasts thunderous drums and melodic guitar work.
While the band wears its Western influences on its sleeve – lying somewhere between emo-pop acts such as Paramore and the post-hardcore sounds of bands like Thursday and Jawbox, there is plenty room for the young band to grow and find their voice. The future looks pretty bright.
Sil Hung Mo on Soundcloud, Facebook, Weibo, Instagram.
Hong Kong has its fair share of shoegaze bands, but Thud stands out from the crowd with their bright pop melodies and dazzling effect usage.
The soundscapes built in the brief 3 1/2 minute track “Lime” are a reminder to what made 90’s shoegaze acts like My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and Lush so endearing.
Thud on Soundcloud, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.