Song: “Hiw”

Artist: Wisetniyom  
Label: Independent
In a real blast from our 90s past, psychedelic rock band Wisetniyom—made up of Choopol Srivieng, Kungwarn Koonsap and Suprawat Jampian—are back with their first single in almost a decade, “Hiw.” As if that wasn’t surprise enough, this comeback track marks a major shift in sound from the trio. Opening with only acoustic guitar and some gospel-like singing, all is as you’d expect until a pulsing beat enters low into the mix—and then by mid-song, “Hiw” has entered full-blown dubstep territory. How much of this is down to the mix, courtesy of Pattarapol Kittichokkunchart and Wannarit Pongprayoon (Pok Stylish Nonsense), is unclear, but we’re excited as to where this new direction might be take them.      

Song: “Kam Wi Jarn (Critical Opinion)”

Artist: Ooh & The Ballyhoo
Label: Panda Records
Aside from releasing another single, “Tam Jai Chan,” with his side project Blue’s Bar, Wasit “Ooh” Mukdavichit has been busy prepping yet more breezy indie pop for his main gig, Ooh & The Ballyhoo. “Kam Wi Jarn (Critical Opinion)” is business-as-usual for Ooh and the gang: a slab of melodic pop-rock goodness that takes its cues from 80s Brit-rock. Lyrics-wise, it’s all about dealing with inevitable criticism from society—but you’ll have no complaints from us. This is Ooh at his catchiest.

Song: “Fon [Rain]”

Artist: Ewery  
Label: Believe Records
Believe Records’ compilation 13 Songs That Lead to 2013 already caught our attention through tracks like “Lady” by 25 Hours and “Yu Tor Loey Dai Mai” by Singhtoe Numchoke. Now comes this sweet, toe-tapping single from pop four-piece Ewery. Just in time for the impending rainy season, “Fon” is a super-easy listen that looks to lift the gloom with its big hooks, sunny production values and frontman Wat’s smooth delivery. There’s a nice guitar solo, too.

Song: “Raek [First]”

Artist: Youth Brush
Label: Independent
Youth Brush is the new side-project of Wissanu “Dui“ Likitsathaporn, frontman and guitarist for the currently-very-hot indie-rockers Two Million Thanks (just announced as support act for Japanese post-rock band TOE in April, see After Hours). His first solo single, “Raek,” imitates the cheerful mood of his other band, with Dui’s trademark childlike vocals also present, but the instrumentation is much less complex; a simple strumming of the acoustic guitar giving the track the feel of a sweet lullaby.

Song:  “Sa Kod Jai”

Artist: Yaak Lab feat. Pearwa Yellow Fang (Geyster RMX)
Label: Box Records
The collaboration between electro DJ and producer Yaak Lab and Pearwa of indie darlings Yellow Fang has been given an impressive makeover by eclectic French DJ Geyster. Atop a nice disco bounce, Pearwa’s sweet vocals are complemented by synth flourishes and even some subtle vocoder, the result being an upbeat number which is fun and sexy, and readymade for dancefloors as the summer starts to heat up.

Song: “Tam Jai Chan”

Artist: Blue’s Bar
Label: Lemon Factory
After launching themselves on the public with 80s-inspired power ballad “Bod Pleng Wan Sao” last August, this duo comprising former Day Tripper frontman Wasit “Ooh” Mookdavijit and ex-Banwagon guitarist Oud Pravaj are back with another single as Blue’s Bar. “Tam Jai Chan” shows signs of progress, too, updating the template to 90s Brit-rock. Toning down the masculine posturing of the last single, the track still features some serious guitar shredding, only the pace has been picked up, the subject matter lightened, and the melody pushed to the forefront—all making for some ideal driving music.