Song: “Rak Sanook (NSA)”

Artist: Gene Kasidit
Label: Smallroom
Three years after separating from electro-punk group Futon to go solo with the album Affairs (2009) on Smallroom Records, gender bending provocateur Gene Kasidit is back with the playful first single from his upcoming full-length, Blonde. “Rak Sanook” laces the electronica of old with a more rock n’ roll, even grunge-y, edge, thanks in part to the contribution of Slur frontman Yeah, who helps out with composition and sound arrangement.

Song: “Tung Wayla (Wake)”

Artist: Lomosonic
Label: Smallroom
Lomosonic have evidently added a few strings to their bow since bursting onto the scene as a hyper-masculine rock band on their debut album Firework back in 2009. This, the ambitious first single from the four-piece’s second album (expected later this year), adds a bit of diversity and demonstrates a welcome maturity—not that it’s subtle or anything. A marching beat, multi-tracked vocals and a post-punk-like cascading wall of guitars all add up to something rather epic, especially when you consider the rousing lyrics from frontman Boy. A band bound for big things, it would appear.

Song: “Love Lies Bleeding”

Artist: Suharit Siamwala feat. Kongdej Jaturanrasamee
Label: Independent
Suharit can seemingly do no wrong. Fresh from teaming up with Gene Kasidit a few months ago for the electro-ballad “Krai Kon Neung,” the superstar DJ now tries his hand at some pretty slick Britpop-inspired sounds on “Love Lies Bleeding.” In-the-know Thai indie fans won’t be surprised to find that this single features lyrics composed by Wasit Mukdawijit (former frontman of Crub and Day Tripper, currently of Ooh & The Ballyhoo) and vocals from Kongdej Jaturanrasamme (frontman of 4 Tao Ter and director of the soon-to-be-released P-047, see +film, page 34). The best thing is this catchy number just about exceeds the sum of its parts. And it comes with a pretty racy music video, too.

Song: “Earth”

Artist: The Must
Label: Tai Pan
Another 90s musician treading the well-worn comeback trail is singer-songwriter Krityot Lertprapai, who released his self-titled debut album in 1995 then reached his critical peak two years later with hits like “As Sa Win Ma Mai” and “Ong Sa Tee Tang Kan.” His first single under the name The Must is a breezy slice of indie-pop with softly sung lyrics that dwell on long-distance relationships. It’s the type of track that wouldn’t sound out of place in the 60s.

Song: “Chao Sao Chai Lai”

Artist: Apirome
Label: Independent
This independent act from Sakonakorn, comprising Mate (guitar), Tai (vocals) and Folk (percussion), tasted some chart success earlier in the year with their toe-tapping, easy-going single “Wan Sa Bai.” While keeping the same acoustic, percussion-heavy sound, their latest release “Chao Sao Chai Lai” dims the mood a bit with lyrics that tell the tale of a heartbroken bride jilted at the alter who awaits her man’s return.

Song: “Motorcycle Yam Ter Yak”

Artist: Suburbian
Label: Spicydisc
Songwriter-turned-singer Soodson Vongsamuthara aka Suburbian is the guy behind the hits from many artists on labels like Bakery Music and Gancore Club. He’s also lent his own unique vocals to hits like “Chai Nai Kwam Rak” and “Tell.” Soodson continues his soul, funk and r n’b odyssey with the first single, “Motorcycle Yam Ter Yak,” from his fourth studio album, Luk Thoong R n’ B—which, as the title suggests, mashes genres in pretty far-out but happening ways.