Submitted by sita srisawat on Tue, 2013-05-14 10:51
Editor's Rating:
1
Average: 1(1 vote)
It seems that Worrawech “Dan” Danuwong, an ex-member of the pop-trio D2B, is serious about making a name for himself in film circles. Putting his music career on the back-burner, last August saw him make his directorial debut with Kuen Wan Sao Tueng Chao Wan Jan (Sat-Mon) and now he’s back with another rom-com which compares the volatility of love to the changing weather.
Submitted by sita srisawat on Tue, 2013-05-07 11:33
Editor's Rating:
4
Average: 4(1 vote)
Two years after debuting with the wildly successful dark romance Blue Valentine, which saw Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively, at the 2011 Golden Globes Award, director Derek Cianfrance is back with The Place Beyond The Pines. Back too is Gosling, and if Blue Valentine broke your heart, chances are this crime-drama will too.
Artist: Poomjit Label: Lemon Factory
For Poomjit, a new album signifies a new musical direction, and new single “Run” sees the four-piece adding a few more cheerful touches to the psychedelic rock sound of their debut. The super-melodic single finds the band steering closer to indie-by-numbers territory—but with hooks this catchy, we don’t mind one bit. The lyrics tell of people hoping to change the world, and we’ve later learned that the frontman Put was asked to compose the song for Thai PBS’s Kon-Hua-Run program which covers inspiring issues.
Song: “Luek Luek”
Artist: Scrubb Label: Sony BEC TERO
Indie royalty Ball and Muay, aka Scrubb, have an almost disturbing knack for putting out song after song that sound almost exactly the same—but why mess with a winning formula? Their latest single, “Luek Luek,” is another that’s sure to get stuck in your head all day. A toe-tapping melodic pop tune all about the good old memories found deep inside of you. Sure, you’ve heard it all before, but somehow the boys make it work. Smooth, Scrubb, so very smooth.
Song: “Where Are You Going?”
Artist: Funky Wah Wah Label: Comet Records
Yet another single from the impressive Comet Comic Compilation Vol. 1, this super-smooth slab of r n’b-infused electro pop comes courtesy of Casinotone’s longtime mate, and former collaborator in the early 2000s, Funky Wah Wah. Featuring the vocal talents of Jason Creer, “Where Are You Going?” is dripping with romance, featuring some seriously lovelorn lyrics (in English). There are 80s pop touches all over it, too, and we’re reminded of Funky’s previous hit “Ya Tam Yang Nee Kab Chan Loey.” Totally endearing.
Song: “Kae Yak Ja Kor”
Artist: Gene Kasidit Label: Smallroom
The third single taken from Gene Kasidit’s latest album Blonde finds Bangkok’s beloved disco diva in top dance floor-filling form. Again wearing her 80s-dance influences on her sequined sleeve (the opening drum fill could be straight out of “Blue Monday”), on first listen there’s not too much to differentiate “Kae Yak Ja Kor” from previous single “Keb Kam Wa Rak.” But, awash in synths and funky MIDI horns, it’s impossible to resist the upbeat track’s one simple message: “I just wanna dancewith you tonight.”
Song: “Win Yan”
Artist: Mahasaja Thammada Label: Independent
We’ve heard the name Mahasajan Thammada ringing out in underground circles for a good while now, and the band have already appeared on the line-ups for events like the recent Bed Bazaar and British Icon 2 by Sound Craft. The generally on-the-money Goodcat crew have also touted them as an act to watch this year. Now finally, the 60s-inspired band present their debut single, “Win Yan,” a jangly, Beatle-esque sing-along about the girl who walked away, with a few country pop touches added on. Simply put, we’re hooked, and we’ll be sure not to miss their next live performance, which we’ve heard is a more head-banging rock n’ roll experience.
Song: “Misplaced”
Artist: Colonial Label: Independent
Another band to have freshly emerged from the underground is Colonial. Hitherto mainstays of the stage at hip indie haunt Harmonica and recent debutantes at the newly-opened Badmotel, the band’s first single, “Misplaced,” raced up Fat Radio’s Top 40 chart upon release. This slice of melodic pop-rock bears a pretty strong resemblance to Two Door Cinema Club, but the child-like vocals of frontwoman Thip Penpayap soften the whole piece—the result is something cute and catchy like what we used to get from Tahiti 80.
Song: “Air Shower”
Artist: Morg Label: Comet Records
Comet Records’ first compilation is the gift that keeps giving. This latest single comes courtesy of electro-loving duo Pruet Chesadaphun and Panlop Maneekunti, who record under the name Morg. On this woozy instrumental track, the pair’s synths and drum machine take the listener on a nostalgic trip aided by some spacey vocal-like samples. The end result is something not too far-removed from the chillwave or cloud rap sounds currently in vogue elsewhere, only with more obvious 80s pop touchstones—and it’ll have you hitting repeat before you even know it.
Song: “Vacation Time”
Artist: Part Time Musicians Label: Rats Records
From speaking to the guy from indie duo Dot (BK Pick from last month’s All Ears), we learned that he’s now launching his own record label, Rats Records, and the first act he signed is brand new folk-trio Part Time Musicians. “Vacation Time,” the first single from Tarit Chiarakul (acoustic guitar and vocals), Worramet Matutamtada (electric guitar) and Wanrada Vichaithanaruks (vocals), is a breezy, mostly acoustic summer anthem complete with girl-boy vocals and a stand-out guitar solo. The lyrics are all about encouraging audiences to slow down their busy life. And on this evidence, the band should most definitely quit their day jobs.
Song: “Goodnight”
Artist: Mattnimare Label: Independent
We announced them as one of the bands to watch earlier this year, and Mattnimare should need no further introduction. Having initially forged a reputation for their scorching live show, the 4-piece then dropped a brilliant piece of Brit/garage-rock in the form of previous single “Luek.” New release “Goodnight” shows another, slower side to the band. Taking inspiration from a childhood nightmare of guitarist Zung, the result is a darker, psychedelic creation that builds and builds to a heart-wrenching crescendo.
Song: “Moon”
Artist: Greasy Cafe Label: Smallroom
There are many reasons we want to write about Greasy Café’s latest single “Moon.” Firstly, the track unsurprisingly jumped straight to the top 3 in its first week on the Fat Radio charts. Secondly, even though we were afraid that Lek’s new pop-look signified a move in a more mainstream direction, the single maintains his dark-romantic signature style both in lyrics and sound. And finally, the music video is a beautiful short film written and directed by Nawaphol Thamrongratanarit about a girl awaiting her lover’s return.
It had been quite a while between gigs when folk duo Selina & Sirinya took to the stage at the Keep On The Grass Music Festival (Mar 9). Now the pair are preparing for another two gigs this week, at Prach Preaw Studio on May 4 and Lhung Reak Bar on May 8. Here we chat with one half of the band, Natee “Aee” Sridokmai, about their comeback.
It had been quite a while between gigs when folk duo Selina & Sirinya took to the stage at the Keep On The Grass Music Festival (Mar 9). Now the pair are preparing for another two gigs this week, at Prach Preaw Studio on May 4 and Lhung Reak Bar on May 8. Here we chat with one half of the band, Natee “Aee” Sridokmai, about their comeback.
What have you been doing?
We went on a break three years ago after my bandmate, Ram, got married and moved to the US and I started working full-time as a graphic designer. Actually, we both kept doing our stuff, but the fact that we lived in different countries meant we could only share it via Soundcloud or Facebook without playing gigs.
What brought about the comeback?
The organizer of Keep on the Grass, Tokin Teekanun, asked us if we wanted to join the festival once Ram was back, so we jumped at the chance. But in fact we had already planned to have our own gigs after his return, which are these two shows at Prach Preaw Studio and Lhung Reak Bar.
Can we expect a new single soon?
Yes, we’ve also been working on new songs during our time apart. Now Ram’s back, it’s the time to release a new album. Actually, I set a deadline to release our new album on May 4, but with time so short it will be released as an EP first on that day, with the full album going on sale on May 8.
Will it come out on Panda Records?
No, we’re doing it on our own, but we perform at their festivals and events.
How has your sound evolved from the first album?
Overall, I’d say there’s nothing much different. We keep the same acoustic folk style. Two acoustic guitars are still at the forefront, only the lyrics contain different messages from the past.
Do you have any side projects?
I started to think about solo projects when Ram was not around. The idea is it would be just me and one acoustic guitar. I haven’t set an exact deadline for it as I want it to flow smoothly, but I’d expect it to be out by next year.
After premiering at the Berlin Film Festival last year and being selected as the opening film for the Salaya International Documentary Film Festival on Apr 1, independent documentary Boundary became the latest film (following Tanwarin Sukhapisit’s Insects In The Backyard and Ing K’s Shakespeare Must Die) to receive a countrywide ban. However, after further discussions, the board of censors then reversed their decision, as long as Nontawat agreed to muting some dialogue. BK had a chat with director Nontawat Numbenchapol about the film’s content and the media storm surrounding his first full-length feature.
After premiering at the Berlin Film Festival last year and being selected as the opening film for the Salaya International Documentary Film Festival on Apr 1, independent documentary Boundary became the latest film (following Tanwarin Sukhapisit’s Insects In The Backyard and Ing K’s Shakespeare Must Die) to receive a countrywide ban. However, after further discussions, the board of censors then reversed their decision, as long as Nontawat agreed to muting some dialogue. BK had a chat with director Nontawat Numbenchapol about the film’s content and the media storm surrounding his first full-length feature.
What exactly is Boundary about?
The inspiration for Boundary came from the unrest in Bangkok back in 2010. I’d never really cared much about the protests until then, when I saw how it truly affects us all, including through people’s reactions on social media. I met a soldier who volunteered in the three southernmost provinces of Thailand and was called to Bangkok to help break up the protests. I followed him to his hometown in Sisaket, which lies at the heart of the Thai-Cambodia political dispute over Preah Vihear Temple, where I started to shoot footage for Boundary. Talking to the villagers and observing the situation, I realized things were very different from what got told on the news. I didn’t want to tell a one-sided story, though, so I crossed the border into Cambodia for another perspective. Basically, Boundary acts as the medium to bring the untold story of Preah Vihear into the public sphere—something that the title also refers to.
Have you experienced any governmental intervention before?
Not directly, only from seeing what happened to other filmmakers like Tanwarin Sukapisit with Insects in the Backyard and [director of photography] Manit Sriwanichapoom’s Shakespeare Must Die.
Did you have any idea that it would be banned?
To be honest, I really didn’t expect that the film would be banned as it had already screened at the Salaya International Documentary Film Festival where it received a positive response. Some people who watched it even told me that it’s a film that all Thai people should watch, because while it presents different lines of thought, the underlying message is that we can make compromises and live together.
What did the censorship board say about the ban?
In the letter, the committee said that the method used to tell the story is inappropriate as it’s contradictory to what appeared in court. They concluded by saying that the film could lead to the instability of Thai-Cambodia relations. But I feel the opposite. Personally, I believe it will create a better understanding of the problem.
You decided to appeal against the decision?
I didn’t think the film should be banned at all. I requested the 18+ rating for Boundary, because people that age are mature enough to understand right and wrong, as they have the right to vote. To ban such a film is to look down on the intellect of your people. You might be afraid that the content could lead to an international dispute—but, personally, I believe disagreement and civilized debate can help develop this country.
But they then reversed their decision?
I think the reaction on social media helped me to get people’s attention giving me the chance to speak out and share my experiences regarding the film. I then received a call from the censorship board saying that the original decision was not from the board but a sub-committee. The board watched the film and just asked me to mute the sound for two seconds at the beginning of the film (which said “Let’s celebrate 84th Birthday of HM The King”). I agreed to do it as it’s actually not the main part of the film and it won’t change the message without that sentence. Now my next step is talking to the theaters to try and finalize the screening schedule.
Artist: Plot Label: So::On Dry Flower
Experimental indie trio Plot—Ponwit Rattanatanatevilai, Jitvi Banthaisong and Wongsagorn Santiwattanaku—are back with their first single in a couple of years as part of So::On Dry Flower’s latest compilation Ghost Note II. The all-too-brief two-minute flurry of “Mai Sa Nid Ya Len” is a welcome reminder of the band’s off-kilter charm. It opens with a harsh mash-up of instrumentation, before things are kicked down a few notches for the sarcastic hook “mai sanid ya len pom mai chai kon talok [we’re not that close, don’t mess with me].” The song comes with a slightly creepy but delightfully absurd video clip to match. All in all, we’re very happy to hear that Plot are hard at work on a full-length album.
Song: “Another Lie”
Artist: Dot Label: Independent
“Another Lie” might not be totally new (it’s been on YouTube since July last year), but it only hit the Fat 40 chart two weeks ago, well and truly elevating the electro-punk duo of Yuan Santiwattana and Off Anucha, aka Dot, out of the shadows. And this first single of theirs is a master-class in effortless cool, with its dark, toe-tapping mood and Yuan’s detached but sassy vocals reminiscent of The Kills’ Alison Mosshart. After chatting with Off, it turns out the band is currently working on their debut album and will start performing live once they’re done in the studio.
Song: “Kon Tee Yung Mai Prom”
Artist: Somkiat Label: Smallroom
After making quite an introduction with last year’s head-banging single, “Aye [Shy],” Smallroom indie-rock outfit Somkiat are back with another melodic offering. “Kon Tee Yung Mai Prom” tells the story of a man who’s not quite ready for a new relationship. The song ticks all the standard alt-rock boxes, from the soaring guitars to the rousing radio-ready chorus. Basically, you’ll love it or hate it (the vocals are a bit whiny for our tastes), but chances are you won’t be able to avoid it.
Song: “Koey Koey”
Artist: Vinegar Syndrome Label: Axis Records
While there’s still no word on when Nontawat Numbenchapol’s latest film Boundary, about soldiers in Thailand’s three southernmost provinces, will hit cinemas in Bangkok (it will be part of the Salaya Documentary Film Festival on Apr 1, though), we’ve already got the original soundtrack courtesy of alt-rock duo Wuttinun Chamchoi and Korn Mahadumrongkul, aka Vinegar Syndrome. We’re not sure how much the lyrics (about a man looking back to his past) reflect the film but we’re drawn by Wut’s warm vocals and the grand nature of “Koey Koey.” Though a slow-burner in every sense, the climax is worth the wait.
Song: “Tsuki No Minna”
Artist: Hope the Flowers Label: Newlights Production
While tuning into Fat Radio’s Bedroom Studio program, which features songs from unsigned bands, we came across this nice little instrumental ditty, titled in Japanese “Tsuki No Minna.” Rather than the brooding post-rock you might have expected, this track from Narongrit Ittipolnavakul is a starry-eyed slice of bedroom pop. Tech gurus might question whether the guitar’s in tune, but we don’t mind one bit. Despite the lo-fi production values, this homespun piece delivers delights on multiple levels.
Song: “Fun Rue Plao [Dream?]”
Artist: Armchair Label: Sony Music
After teasing us with the prospect of a new studio album with the single “Khun Kep Kwam Lub Dai Mai [Can You Keep a Secret?]” back in 2011, pop romancers Armchair are finally back with a follow-up “Fun Rue Plao” which we hope signals a real comeback. They’ve even managed a few surprises, with this melodic-pop track incorporating a few vintage disco touches which really complement the lullaby-like “girl-of-my-dreams” lyrics. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
