Local Bands Rock Out to Usher in 2008
30 12 2007Wong Pei Yee|long_jump@hotmail.com
the ridge Transmedia
A NUSSU Publication
Head down to the Esplanade this New Year’s Eve and rock out with local bands Allura, Bismuth and PeepShow. As part of the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown held at the Esplanade Waterfront, the three bands promise a night of revelry and local music.
In an email interview with Stev.e (bass, vocals and guitar) from the 3-man band Bismuth and Inch (vocals) from Allura, both local bands have forgone covers to play their own original music.
Local band Bismuth is named after an element from the periodic table and consists of Flint, Chris and Stev.e.
Picture: Courtesy of The Esplanade Co Ltd
“We’ll be playing our originals and bringing some local music to the masses, it’s the best way to start a new year,” said Inch.
However, Bismuth speaks of an exception to the rule, “We might do a rendition of Auld Lang Syne.”
The cheeky Stev.e who describes Bismuth’s music as “intelligent yet melodically harmonious compositions (or at least we would like to think so)” like Allura ultimately believe that their music is stuff that refuses categorization. “Fresh and melodic maybe?” ventures Inch.
Whatever it is, both local bands intend to continue with what they’ve been doing. When asked what their New Year Resolutions were, Stev.e replied: “As a band we intend to stick together (‘cause doing that is not as easy as it seems), start work on a full-length release and continue reaching out.”
Allura is a 5-piece band consisting of Inch Chua (vocals), Aaron Wong (rhythm guitars), Mark John (lead guitars), Matthew Yap (bass) and Low Han Quan (drums).
Picture credit: http://www.myspace.com/allurarock
Allura, on the other hand, has slightly higher hopes: “We really hope to travel together, belt down more experience, spread more of our music and most importantly, grow together as people.”
Thinking as one, both Inch’s and Stev.e’s wishes for the local music scene echoed the other’s.
“We believe it’s important that locals gradually abolish the mentality that locally produced music isn’t on par with foreign music, ‘cause it’s simply not true,” states Inch.
Apart from the music, the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown promises to be a grand event with the sight of wishing spheres bobbing in the Singapore River, a stunning visual arts display and fireworks that are expected to wow the crowds with a little something extra.
See you at the Esplanade Waterfront tomorrow.
the ridge wishes all readers a happy and fulfilling 2008.
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