Song: “Mai Sanid Ya Len”

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.