Saturday, September 30, 2006

+65


What the F^%$, check out the console. These guys have come with all sorts of machines, toys, instruments, drum machines and synths for a live performance exclusively at HomeClub tonight!!! If you're still at home jump in the shower, (don't forget your deoderant) put on your dancing shoes and get yourself down. Here's a list of the equipment:
Akai MPC 2500
DJM 707
Turntable & Wax (Koflow's weapons of choice)
MicroKorg Keyboard
MidiKeyboard
Roland MC909
Toshiba Laptop
Cubase
Firewire Maudio410

It's all gobbledeegoop to me, but I've heard a preview so if you are still at home, get moving!!!

Beat Live!


This week's Beat Live! played host to two established local bands, Moods and Shamejoannshame. Moods started off with brooding slowpaced indie infected love songs. Low key and moody (sorry I had to use that word) by sound they began the night off warming up the stage slowly with their catchy yet reflective melodies and personal vocals. Next up was Shamejoannshame, now I really loved the sound of these guys. They described their music as being more like movie soundtracks and I thought that was somewhat right, it definately had a visual and narrative quality to it. They sounded pretty emo as well as cinematic to me, bringing to mind planes such as Planes Mistaken for Stars, going from slowly melodic bits to full of riffs and always very tight and different drumming. Shimmering hi paced hi-hat sounds and a lovely tight snare. Keyboards gave a great melodic aspect to their sound, sounding at times very much like an organ. The guitarist swept up stringing everything together with a series of changes from plucking, picking, full on chords, riffs in a series of ear drooling solos. Following closely after as every Friday were the notriously feel good team of DJs, Joe, George and Ginette. They managed to edge the crowd closer and closer to the floor until they came into a frenzy, moving and shaking to those tracks that have become synonymous with this event. Get yourself down every friday, these guys really read and react to the crowd, they know what to do, you just have to show up for a quality time guaranteed every friday night.

Battle of the Bands Finals

This weeks Battle of the Bands saw a much bigger crowd than any of the previous Battle of the Bands. No surprise though, it was the finals. First off was Inkout, a band who I previously mentioned as youngster with alot of potential. They kicked off (with a steel-toed boot) the night with their high-energy punk-rock. I don't know if it was the nerves, if it was, i can completely empathize, but these guys seemed a bit frozen on stage. One can't deny their raw talent though. Next up were Es War Einmal... I have to say although not initially impressed with these guys, this time they really brought the thunder. The drummer was incredibly tight, pummelling (and then later breaking) the crash with a 4/4 beat that drove right to your brain. In comparison to the guys before, this group had much more stage presence. A vocalist who performed as if going through the motions of a greek tragedy together with professional headbanging guitar and bass players made for an aggresive and powerful series of original songs. Next was Pressplay, the band of brothers and cousins, that usually managed to infuse alot of humour and anecdotes into their bits in between songs had problems with the sound. In my opinion they could have complained less, but hey I wasn't the one having the problems and this competition obviously meant alot to them. The singer ended up in a heap screaming his lyrics to a mic that tried desperately (but failed) to pick up his lyrics. Last off was Flybar, those who I have already made a prediction to win this year's World Battle of the Bands here in Singapore. Surely enough the started out strong, although after watching them for the second time it's clear that they had every move rehearsed. Watching them for a second time they seemed somewhat mechanical, but still a very tight band and great performers. I still think these guys are gonna go and win, even though they are a bit robotic. Two will go to the finals (yeah I know it's confusing i don't understand the system either, finals and then finals again?) at timber this Saturday. Those two are Pressplay and Flybar, If I had my own way it would have been Es War Einmal and Flybar. I wonder who's gonna win... or do I?

Monday, September 25, 2006

Cafe Cosmo this Wednesday!


The now non-existent Café Cosmo returns for another night in the spirit of true music loving. As continual supporters of Singapore’s independent music scene, Café Cosmo promises to shed some light into those obscure genre-crossing regions that few are brave enough to cross. With a focus on fun as well as substance, a group of friends will go on rotation to bring you the freshest sounds around. These sounds will come from the past, the present and perhaps, tip audiences off as to what will come in the future. Café Cosmo does not physically exist anymore, but even so, it’s clear, (as they take up a monthly residency at HomeClub) that they are anything but dead. Their enthusiasm for great music and their continual support for the independent creative scene here in Singapore will be a potent combination in an event that I know I have been anticipating for a while now. Wednesday the 27th, be there or be square, show up and become a circle. Café Cosmo returns, come Home for the resurrection.

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Guerilla Recalls


Last night saw the return of an old school posse of drum and bass heads. Guerillas formed into attack formation as members delivered punishing sets of junglistic beats and gnarling sub bass. First to unleash an opening set was Has, playing familiar melodies, he warmed the space up and got things rolling. Things accelerated from that point onwards and a crowd started to take to the floor. At first hesitant, one knew things were gonna get hot and sweaty. The floor started filling up at about midnight as a healthy amount of feet were shuffling to the barrage of beats that were being unleashed. When New Zealand duo ‘Flirt with Dirt’ took to the controls movements in unison were shared among a growing pulsating entity that now spread across the dance floor. Kane kept a string of dialogue to those on the floor keeping them attentive and involved. Finishing the night was Kiat, a marksman with a deadly aim, he hammered the floor raining hi-hats, third beat snares and a warm bass. Home’s DJR took over at the end of the night, continuing on the high paced rolling. He kept those who were still willing, dancing and those who weren’t without the choice to stop moving their feet. Great night. Old and new faces were present. Home regulars, occasionals and first timers all came together to get down to a friendly fire of beats delivered by professionals with precision. See you at the next Drum and Bass event, +65, coming soon, September 30th.

Off-Beat


The launch of Home’s first ‘Off Beat’ was a success. The floor laden with pink balloons didn’t stop a mass of supporters get to witness three excellent bands. First up was ‘Etc’, a band who were without their bassist. Despite this the chemistry between singer/guitarist and the drummer provided for an energetic, humorous and personal performance. Light hearted yet still sincerely heart-felt they were a perfect band to start the night off. Next on the list was ‘Couple’, a Malaysian band with a lead singer who also had a sense of humour and an attentive audience. With infectiously catchy riffs and harmonies sang by both male and female vocalists one was instantly aware why this band are making waves across the causeway. Finally, ‘Typewriter’, who clearly had a strong presence of supporters in the room, took to the stage. Picking up the pace and showing a rock stars approach to their performance, they brought the house down complete with lively stage antics. Although the bands had finished, the night was still young. Beat DJs, George, Joe and Ginette took over playing song after song of those indie tracks we all end up singing along to at some part of the night. It’s a shame that the crowd died down after the bands had left, this didn’t stop those who were there to continue jumping and swaying to their impeccable selection of feel-good tracks. More next week!!!

Friday, September 22, 2006

Battle of the Bands semi-final 2


Thursday night definately had a different flavour than the last semis. There was more 'rock' than screaming gutteral vocals and hardcore thrashing antics. The energy was brilliant. The night kicked off with local band Inkout who came on to rock the stage with more punk than funk. A drummer obsessed with hi-paced beats, using the hi hat and crashes wherever possible. While the vocalist came to the floor, the two guitarists and bassist thrashed out melodic riffs on top, waiving their instruments to the sky then bringing them down to the ground in unison. They were tight, and despite looking incredibly young they put on a great show that set the bar high. Next up were a band direct from the great Asian giant country of China. Starting off with a cover song of Bon Jovi's newest single 'It's my life' (sorry I'm not in a band, can't play any instrument but fuck if I had to choose to do a cover song at any show it would be anything but that song... I thought it was terrible). They followed with some Mandarin tunes that sounded quite folky in nature. They weren't the tightest of bands. I wondered at first how they had got so far, but later realized they had a sound that was quite unique. Or was it? All of that time I thought they were doing original Chinese song with tambourines and keyboards (they seemed quite innovative), apparently they were all Mandarin children's songs. Finally Flybar came to the stage. As soon as they came on, they commanded the stage both with their presence as performers and as an extremely tight band of musicians. Performing orginal songs they continued taking control of the stage, keeping a very old school rock'n'roll vibe to their sound. Hands down, these guys are the one to watch out for. If you want predictions, then I'll give you one, these are going to steal the show, they'll go right to the top and win this competition.

Guerilla Recall


Well, they think they are getting old and, to be fair, it has been a while since the last Guerilla event. Nonetheless, we’re absolutely sure that the night will have the room filled with (deep breath now, I know it’s a long sentence) low-end bass, the kind that tickles you from the inside, and rolling beats, hi-hats to put your hat off to, tom-toms that were made for everyone (not just tom) and snares that will neither sneer nor stare. With age comes experience and these guys definitely possess just that. Be prepared for complete professionalism in something that fails to be classified as a profession, hedonism, having fun. We supply the venue, the alcohol, they will supply the music, put the concoction together and we’ve got something to move together to. Veterans they are, and an execution of beats and melodies is what they put to the table. They have their sights lined up and have taken aim, these guys have been in the trenches for a while but get ready for an ‘over the top’, ‘into no man’s land’ style approach. Guerilla’s are back and they are, excuse the rhyme, on the attack.

Friday, September 15, 2006

Poptart ends at HomeClub


Saturday comes around and we are sad to announce that it is the end of an era of indie misfit madness. Starting out at Madmonks (which has now become HomeClub) two years ago, the riot has become reserved, and the pop, unfortunately, has stopped. But with every end comes the birth of something new. As Adrian (wee.like.me) leaves to pursue future ambitions, the remaining founding members of Poptart, Zaidi and Jah, resurrect something to fill the void. Hanging great memories and experiences somewhere warm and cozy to remember them by (like those pair of old trainers you could never get rid of), ‘Hang the DJ’ will continue on at Home Club in the place of the now defunct indie event. Bringing the sounds craved by all of you social antiheros, nonconformists and air guitar enthusiasts, we look forward to something new yet reminiscent, and as always, refreshing, (think purple-haze flavoured kool-aid) exclusively found at your home away from home. Alright, stop collaborate and listen DJs are back with a brand new invention… ok I’ll stop now, Watch out indie-mayhem up ahead.

Battle of the Bands semi-final 2

Last night saw the first semi-final of Singapore’s battle of the bands at Home Club. While the attendance was somewhat less than last week, the room was filled with the sounds of high-octane fueled aggressive punk and hardcore. Some may remember the night from the lady with the pink wig who goes round serving those delectable (and extremely potent) shots of our favourite German drink, Jaigermeister. The night begun with ‘Self-made’, a group of underrated and energetic youngsters who played a set that could be described as melodic metal-core. As an observer the band rocked an empty room, showing that although young, they were nonetheless full of potential. Next were the least Singaporean out of all bands who played, the all German, Blitzkrieg-hardcore band that is Es War Einmal. They’re so underground, they soiled their pants at sound check, they only had two supporters. Press play was a family band (yes related but sounding nothing like ‘The Corrs’). Impressively blending their own sound of West-coast punk rock with a bit of ‘chugga chugga’ riffs and tons of guitar solos. I think it’s also worth mentioning they were the most relaxed out of all three of the bands, interlinking their songs with humour that didn’t detract from their passion for their music. The tightest out of all three of the bands, (is it because they’re related? they were all brothers and cousins.) we wish them luck in the finals. The latter two bands made it into the next round of the Battle of the Bands. We’ll see you at the next one.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

HomeSalad


Another beautiful Wednesday night. The third to be exact and once again Sweetmusic (www.sweetmusic.fm) DJs came on stage to bring a selectively eclective (and when I say eclective I do not mean 'loungey type stuff' but rather a mix and mash, kind of like mashed potatoes, carrots and turnips altogether, I like to add a bit of milk, mustard and black pepper in my mash too but hey that's just me) chocie of tunes from a truly wide variety. DJs came on rotation adding spices and flavours into the mix that was more like a thai tom yum soup followed by fried bananas than anything as bland as mashed potatoes! Am I getting caried away with the food metaphors? You do know this is Wednesday's HomeSalad! I apologize, will stop and then continue. Well I guess you could say I like my food and I do love my music, I love new music, I love different music, I love all music. Essentially there was and there always is something for everyone on a Wednesday night. Come down and appreciate what this established online radio station has to offer. The Creciendo of the evening came at midnight where even those outside came inside to get down to funky disco interlaced indie tracks that put smiles on the faces of those swaying to both melody and beat. At the end of the night Sublime DJs, loopinmotion and lockngroove took the floor by storm hammering down raining beats for those all willing to get their booties shaking before heading home to a comfy bed. This event is definately something to look out for, stay posted and get yourselves down (if you haven't already been) to experience something different yet strangely familiar and homely.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

HomeClub Blog 1


Well, it's the start of something different...
This is an online forum for all of those underground advocates who want to make yourselves heard and to listen to what others have to say regarding HomeClub Singapore. It's an opportunity for those of you who have been to let us know what you thought about events; your experiences and your comments. Not only does it give you a passive role in giving your opinions on past events, this will also give readers and enthusiasts a chance to let those at HomeClub (not to mention friends and regulars) know what you expect from upcoming events. It's an online community where all can conceptualize and express their vision of what HomeClub is and could be. This is HomeClub, the residence for all who participate. Make yourself heard. Make HomeClub your own.