Song: “Cut and Run”

Artist: Katsue
Label: Samutprakarn Sound
It’s been far too long between drinks for Katsue. Since releasing their debut album, And So It Goes, back in 2006, the electro duo—Joni Anwar and Jay Monton Jira—have been regulars behind the turntables at many clubs and parties in Bangkok, but there’s been no hint of new material. Until now. Thankfully, their comeback single “Cut and Run” rewards on all counts. The beat- and bass-heavy track has a much harder edge than previous offerings, but the melody, delivered by intertwining shared vocals, will quickly worm its way into your subconscious. A very welcome return.

Song: “Rong Tao Pha Bai”

Artist: Seal Pillow
Label: Parinam Music
The members of this brand new band from Parinam Music—Chalerm (vocals and synth), Aron (guitar), Pakorn (bass), Makara (guitar) and Araya (drums)—say they have a “college pop sound.” And, sure enough, their debut single, “Rong Tao Pa Bai [Sneaker],” shows them to be highly enthusiastic students of pop-rock. OK, the influences are there for all to hear—classic post-punk guitars, hints of surf-rock and more than a passing resemblance to a recent Cults hit—but something so catchy can only pass with flying colors, in our books. (And it’s accompanied by a very simple yet affecting film clip.)

Song: “Hom Pa”

Artist: Yellow Fang
Label: Independent
After first single “Unreal” spent four weeks atop the Fat 40 chart, and came in second in Fat Radio’s list of best songs for 2012, stylish female garage rock trio Yellow Fang return with another doozy to get you weak at the knees. Opening with some soft cooing and plaintive strumming followed by sweet lyrics that tell of a girl waiting for her lover’s return, the pace picks up around the two-minute mark and builds to a heart-racing crescendo.

Song: “Who am I”

Artist: Proud Kraturerk meets The Photo Sticker Machine
Label: Independent
This breezy slice of pop-rock is the first offering from the Music Therapy project launched late last year by The Photo Sticker Machine, the solo electronic project of Vichaya Vatanasapt aka Nong T-Bone. The project invited Facebook fans to submit their self-produced songs for the chance to have them rearranged and presented to a wider audience. The first to receive this treatment, “Who Am I” is the work of Silpakorn University student Proud Kraturerk and the catchy track hints at bigger things to come.

Song: “Son [Hide]”

Artist: Mana Manee Piti Choojai
Label: Independent
“Son [Hide]” first aired a few years ago as part of the soundtrack for the Faculty of Architecture at Kon Kaen University’s annual stage play. Now the band behind it, Mana Manee Piti Choojai, who have made something of a name for themselves with occasional gigs at Cosmic Café and Fat Festival appearances, have chosen to offer it up to the general public. Though relatively upbeat in sound, the song takes on quite a brooding edge thanks to lyrics about a girl who must hide her weaknesses deep inside, which are complemented by some nice piano tinkling late in the piece.

Song: “Brahma Brahma” 

Artist: Chladni Chandi
Label: Panda Records
Panda Records’ Chladni Chandi—comprising Chawalit “Yong” Saowapakpongchai (vocals and guitar), Sompop “Ben” Suwanwattanakul (bass) and Thanawut “Meng” Sriwatthanah (drums)—are known for their psychedelic rock that incorporates Indian instruments, like the sitar, and poetic lyrics that espouse Buddhist beliefs. This first single from their debut album Tri opens with something akin to a Buddhist prayer before layering on the percussion and guitars for stronger emotional resonance.