What is the significance of the album name Ritual?
It refers to the way people give meaning to their lives by following ideas such as their religions and the drastic things they would do. It takes years and years of doing certain things in our day-to-day lives to make us who we are today.

You’ve been compared to bands like Joy Division, Interpol and Editors—are you a fan of any of these bands?
I think Interpol are magnificent. I listened to them a lot when I was 14 or 15 and I absolutely loved them. I don’t listen to them that much now but I think Interpol will be around for a long time and will be hugely remembered.

Which song are you most satisfied with, either from To Lose My Life or Ritual?
I think “The Power And The Glory” is very well-executed. It’s the kind of song where I would be jealous of the songwriter if I’d heard it elsewhere.

How about the song you love performing the most?
Other than “The Power And The Glory,” it would be “Peace & Quiet.”

Describe your most memorable gig.
The Heineken Open’er Festival in Poland was definitely memorable. On the way there, our bus broke down for 10 hours. We thought we’d never make it but we did. We didn’t know how many people were going to be there and when we reached and got up on stage, there were just thousands and thousands of screaming fans. It was amazing.

You guys were formerly known as Fear of Flying and you started playing at a very young age, have you ever felt jaded about making music?
I’m not sure about jaded but we’re definitely very aware of the music industry now; it has become very predictable in a way.

Would White Lies ever consider covering a song by Justin Bieber or Miley Cyrus?
It would have to be a really, really good song. Currently, we have yet to come across any.

How do you imagine your fans here?
I’ve been to a few places in Asia but not to Singapore. In other Asian countries I’ve been to, people have been nice and respectful. I suppose Singapore would be the same; I’m definitely looking forward to it.

Catch White Lies on Apr 11, 7:30pm at the Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $48-108 from Sistic.

A steady stream of new eateries has been filling the shophouses of Upper Thomson Road over the last year, offering you more dining options this side of town. We nosy about the area and sniff out what’s worth your time.

Cotton Bleu
205 Upper Thomson Rd., 6252-5525.
Expect superb home-style French fare in a cozy ambiance at this three-month old establishment, which makes a choice spot for an intimate gathering. Their no-fuss menu of tapas ($8), starters ($12) and mains ($24) scored points with us. They’ve also got set meals for lunch and dinner. Try the scallops on rosemary skewers ($12) and rack of lamb ($24), and if you’re into vino, their wine list offers French, Australian and Chilean options.

Fatboy’s The Burger Bar
187 Upper Thomson Rd., 6252-8780.
One of the top burger joints in Singapore, it gets especially packed on weekends. We suggest American-style burgers like the Fat Basterd ($16) and Bolly Wooly ($11), handsome both in presentation and size.

La Petite Cuisine
227 Upper Thomson Rd., 6459-0553.
This is the second outlet of the popular eatery, known for unpretentious French food at affordable prices. This humble little restaurant serves up dishes such as tender dory fish with fragrant white wine sauce and butter rice for just $12.50. Other standouts include pan-fried foie gras paired with orange confit ($18) and duck confit served with French fries ($16.50)—the ultra crispy texture of the duck skin is just yum.

Old School Delights
215M Upper Thomson Rd., 6458-4518.
Truly old school, and truly delightful—stepping in makes you feel like you’ve been transported back to a simpler time with benches and chalkboards. Have a bowl of their much-raved about mee siam ($4.50) or try out their cakes, such as grandma’s butter cake ($2.80) and seriously dark chocolate cake ($4.20), while you sit back and reminisce about bygone times.

Our Bread Garden
229 Upper Thomson Rd., 6457-3318.
Hot selling local favorites like curry buns ($1.60) and otah buns ($1.80) can be found here. This bakery also prides itself on producing homemade bread with no preservatives, chemical additives or artificial essence—making this little hide-out a great place for no-fuss, healthy and very affordable afternoon tea.

Salted Caramel
246F Upper Thomson Rd., 9127-8716.
This three-week-old ice cream store may only have a few flavors on its menu but that’s good enough to keep us coming back for more. You obviously have to give their salted caramel a go but the rum and raisin is another standout, with its pleasantly sharp alcoholic taste balancing well with sweetness. It’s a mere $2.50 per scoop— talk about a steal.

Scoopz
222 Upper Thomson Rd., 6456-8698.
While their lime green décor could do with some improvement, their ice cream is a real winner. You can witness the “cooking” of the ice cream here—the mixture being whipped into shape with spatulas on an open counter. The shop owner claims this method reduces the air content in the ice cream and increases solidity, giving rise to slowermelting and chewier ice cream. We love the durian-flavored one, with a texture reminiscent of actual durian flesh. Other flavors worth a go are the avocado, rum and raisin and jackfruit. $2.90 per scoop.

Stevo’s Salads ‘n’ Such
215R Upper Thomson Rd., 6554-0636.
The rustic, laidback feel of Perth is what owner Stephen brings to you here. Their chili mussels ($10), complemented by a tasty sauce with tomato chunks, are delightfully succulent, and their extensive salad selection (from $6.50) includes unconventional options like apple coleslaw along with classics like Caesar salad. If you fancy spicy food, give their Buffalo wings heat challenge (from $8.50) a go.

1. You can’t go wrong with this Fred Perry blue and white shirt with quirky woven details. $249 from Fred Perry, #B3- 01 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-8157.

2. Top off your outfit with this loud checkered hat. $360 from Commes Des Garcon, #02-39/40 Hilton Shopping Gallery, 581 Orchard Rd., 6304-1362.

3. This impossibly stylish Commes des Garcon jacket printed with skulls wearing shades is the perfect conversation starter. $1,290 from Commes Des Garcon, #02-39/40 Hilton Shopping Gallery, 581 Orchard Rd., 6304-1362.

4. Paul Smith’s multicolored scarf will overcome humdrum dreariness in any outfit. $260 from Paul Smith, #02-24 Hilton Shopping Gallery, 581 Orchard Rd., 6737-8861.

5. This pair of slimfit chinos in pastel green keeps you looking smart and funks up any get-up. $159 from Raoul, #02-02/03 Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Rd., 6737-0682.