Sep 20 : Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

To kick off concert season, they don’t get much bigger than Noel Gallagher, former songwriter, guitarist and vocalist for the legendary British rock band Oasis. Three years after the band’s acrimonious split, Noel is still not on speaking terms with brother and former bandmate Liam. But, not to worry, he will finally return to Bangkok as part of an Asia tour with his High Flying Birds project. Expect a bunch of classic Oasis sing-alongs like “Don’t Look Back in Anger” and “Little by Little” together with newer solo material. Thai crooner Hugo will open.
Where: BITEC Bangna, 88 Bangna-Trad (Km. 1) Rd., 02-749-3939.
Tix: B1,000-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor
Brought to you by: Rock N’ Rolla

Oct 4: Keane

Hot on the heels of the rock n’ roll royalty, another slightly younger Britpop sensation, Keane, will arrive on our shores. Since releasing their first studio album Hopes and Fears (2004), which saw singles “Somewhere Only We Know” and “Everybody’s Changing” become worldwide hits, the band has constantly fought off rumors of a split, while frontman Tom Chaplin also had a stint in a clinic for drink and drug problems. But they’re still kicking around and Bangkokians will be treated to tracks from their fourth album, Strangeland, which came out last year.
Where: Moonstar Studio, 701 Ladprao Soi 80, 02-539-3881.
Tix: B1,800 from www.we-booking.com
Brought to you by: Lullaby Entertainment

Oct 8: Maroon 5

Had enough of Brit-rockers? After bringing us their Jagger-like moves this time last year, American pop-rockers Maroon 5 return to Bangkok in support of their newest album, Overexposed, which contains the hit “One More Night.” But it’s too bad if you don’t already have a ticket—the concert sold out just one week after going on sale. We can only hope that Adam Levine and co. pencil in an annual trip to Thailand.
Where: Impact Arena, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455.
Tix: Sold out
Brought to you by: BEC TERO

Nov 17: Culture One 2012

Thailand’s original outdoor electronic event Culture One Bangkok is set to get even bigger this year in celebration of its 5th Anniversary. The organizers are promising five big stages packed with over 30 Thai and international artists including Dash Berlin (Holland), Sean Tyas (USA), 808 State (UK) and Young Knives (UK). There’s also the curious inclusion of Happy Mondays percussionist/mad dancer Bez, with more still to be announced.
Where: Lakeside BITEC Bangna, 88 Bangna-Trad (Km. 1) Rd., 02-749-3939.
Tix: Early bird tickets are now up for grabs at B1,500 from Café Democ (Silom Plaza) and Dickinson’s Culture Café (Pra Artid Rd.), with this type of ticket requiring you enter the venue before 7pm. Pre-sale tickets are B2,000 from We-booking.com (from Oct 1 onwards) while it will be B2,500 on the door.
Brought to you by: Club Culture

Best Bars to catch indie Concerts in Bangkok

Health Me Lifestyle Fitness

What: Fitness center.
Where: Viphavadi Soi 64, Bangkok, 02-973-5229.
Price: 1-year membership B10,000, 6-month B5,500, #3-month B3,000 and 1-month B1,200.

Racquet 49 Club

What: Fitness center, badminton, tennis, squash, racquet ball, futsal, rock climbing, swimming, jacuzzi, snooker, sauna and steam room, business meeting rooms.
Where: Sukhumvit 49/9, Bangkok, 02-714-7200.
Price: 1-year membership B21,400, 6-month B14,980, 3-month B9,630 and 1-month B4,280.

The LAB

What: Fitness center.
Where: 3/F, RSU Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 31, Bangkok, 02-662-1618.
Price: 10 one-hour classes with 2 free classes within 2 months B5,000, 8 one-hour classes in 1 month B3,200, 36 one-hour classes in 3-month B14,000.

True Fitness

What: Fitness center, steam and sauna rooms, boxing, dance classes, yoga, hot yoga (only at CentralWorld) and spa.
Where: 388 Sukhumvit Rd., LG-4/F Exchange Tower, Bangkok, 02-663-4999. BTS Asoke. MRT Sukhumvit
Price: 1-year contract B40,000.

A Calvin Klein polo with superior cooling properties to keep you looking dry in those Facebook pics. Add golf club or racket, strike a pose, B5,500.

Tendence’s G52 watch in black, waterproof to 200 meters, which is very reassuring when swimming laps in your condo's pool. B32,900.

This Hugo Boss golf bag comes with lots of compartments to hold your essentials: gloves, balls, condoms, sunscreen and, of course, your clubs B23,200.

There’s nothing like a colorful bag from Armani Exchange to make an impression in the locker room, B8,590.

Dolce & Gabbana’s new trainers are made from Nappa leather, washed suede and nylon with an embroidered logo. Now you have a good excuse to avoid running when it rains. Available in blue or red, B16,000.

Dolce & Gabanna’s gym collection training shorts available in red, green and yellow, B13,000.

Where to Shop in Bangkok

Armani Exchange & Calvin Klein. 1/F, 2/F Siam Discovery. Rama 1 Rd., Bangkok, 02-658-1000. BTS Siam.
Dolce & Gabbana & Hugo Boss. M/F, 1/F Siam Paragon. Rama 1 Rd., Bangkok, 02-690-1000. BTS Siam.
Tendence. 3/F, Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd., Bangkok, 02-662-3883. BTS Chidlom.

Vieng Joom On

The Emporio Place, 93/332 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Bangkok, 02-160-4342. www.vjoteahouse.com. Open daily 11am-8pm
The famous dessert café from Chiang Mai is one of the latest Lanna natives to make the trek down to Bangkok. Featuring a similar Moroccan style to its Northern sister, it also serves up different mixes of more than 50 teas from around the world. Try their signature, Vieng Joom On Tea (black tea, rose petals, white tea, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper and plum flavor, B150/pot), or the lighter Mae Ping Tea (green tea, jasmine flower, dried bael, hibiscus and mint leaves, B150/pot) along with a slice of their homemade blueberry cheesecake (B220).

Let Them Eat Cake

G/F, Mille-Malle, Sukhumvit Soi 20, Bangkok, 02-663-4667. Open daily 10am-midnight
Run by the same people as W by Wanlamun, another Chiang Mai dessert eatery, Let Them Eat Cake serves up homemade pastries and sweets that wouldn’t be too out of place in a French patisserie. Their top of the line treats include the St. Honore Rose-Framboise (B175), dôme au chocolat (B130) and éclair à la vanille (B160). And the stylish new bistro has outdoor seating so you can enjoy your bakery selection with a cup of Fauchon tea, a 125-year-old brand that now makes funky flavors like wild strawberry and chocolate. Or just opt for the rich and flavorful chocolat chaud made with dark Valrhona chocolate from France (B180).

Double Dogs

406 Yaowarat Rd., Bangkok, 086-329-3075. Open Tue-Sun 11am-10pm
Situated in a shophouse in Yaowarat, this family business has been renovated into a small minimal café by its young owners. Teas here are from many different countries like Japan, Sri Lanka and China. They recommend their Chinese teas (B80-B240/pot) or matcha powder tea (B130)—the owners claim it takes an hour to grind five grams of this very special green tea! They also make their own blends, like apple and bergamot (from B45) or natural milk tea with no artificial colors added (so don’t expect the usual orangey cha nom).

TWG Tea Salon & Boutique

G/F, The Emporium Shopping Complex, 622 Sukhumvit Rd., Bangkok, 02-259-9510
Finally, luxurious Singaporean tea purveyors TWG have landed at Emporium. The tea menu is categorized into different regions with more than 450 varieties to choose from. Otherwise start your tea lesson with their signature Silvermoon (green tea, mixed berries and vanilla, B250) before graduating to iced South African red tea (B250). The afternoon tea set starts from B370: sit near the bar, where you can ogle the bartenders sipping from every pot before they’re rolled out.

Salon du Thé

The Museum of Floral Culture, 315 Soi Ongkarak 13, Samsen Soi 28, Bangkok, 02-669-3633. Open Tue-Sun 11am-6pm
Located in a hundred-year-old house, this newly opened museum also contains a little tea house on the terrace, surrounded by an impeccably-landscaped Thai-meets-Zen-style garden. The teas here are from the renowned florist Sakul Intakul’s own collection, and hail from many countries around the world. Try some of his personal recipes, like the Kashmiri Spiced Milk Tea (vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, B120) and Love Pekoe Rose Tea (Assam black tea, Indian ‘hundred leaf’ pink rose petals, B120). Afternoon tea sets are B240 and come with six Asian snacks like tua pap (rice crepe stuffed with mung bean), green tea daifuku and kanom tom (glutinous rice stuffed with coconut).

Song: Lyin’

Artist: Funky Gangster
Label: Zoo Studio
House duo Funky Gangster have been kicking around for over a decade, but their signing to fresh new label Zoo Studio (run by DJ Kingkong of Animal Machine fame) seems to have given them a new lease on life. Their first single “Lyin’” should well and truly lift them out of the Bangkok underground, with an insistent beat and slick production that wouldn’t sound out of place on swanky dance floors the world over. But it’s fresh-faced female vocalist Yona who really steals the show with a dynamic and surprisingly soulful turn.

Song: “Pra Yok Bok Lao”

Artist: Greasy Café
Label: Smallroom Records
While Shambala, the film about a journey to a mythical Buddhist kingdom, hasn’t exactly got the critics raving, at least one point in its favor is that we get another single from man of the moment, Lek, aka Greasy Café. “Pra Yok Bok Lao” is his contribution to the blockbuster’s original soundtrack and, as we’ve come to expect, it’s a huge, emotional power-ballad. Lek’s lyrics cleverly touch on the themes of the film atop some soaring guitar and marching drums that trump the film for grandeur—and hint at what might have been.

Song: “Chow (Morning)”

Artist: Scrubb
Label: Blacksheep Sony Music
Fans of this iconic indie duo are well aware that their lyrics mostly deal with memories of the past, both bright and bleak. Their catchy new single, “Chow,” is no different, painting the picture of someone taking a morning jog and taking stock of all the events that have shaped his life. Musically, too, the track gives off such a laidback vibe that you can almost feel the sun on your shoulder.

Song: “Kid Toong (Miss You)”

Artist: The Jukks
Label: Smallroom Records
The Richman Toy might be better-known, but their label-mates The Jukks are just as adept at combining hilarious lyrics with playful melodic rock that rarely fails to lift the spirits. New single “Kid Toong” riffs on the broken language of today’s Thai teenagers who mispronounce “kid tung” as “king toong,” and also features cartoonish dialogue from Paripan Watcharanon, leader of film-dubbing company Panthamitr. It’s funny, it’s catchy and the 8-bit video game-inspired MV only adds to the song’s charm.

Song: “Bab Nee”

Artist: Sqweez Animal
Label: Spicy Disc
After claiming Record of the Year from Fat Awards 2012 for their heart-wrenching hit “Kam Bang Kam” (co-produced by Xavier Boyer and Pedro Resende from Tahiti 80), funk-infused pop duo Sqweez Animal finally return with another slick offering, “Bab Nee.” Cute and catchy as ever, the new single sees usual frontman Win hand over lead vocal duties to his partner Singh. Nothing is lost in the switch—this is more toe-tapping soul n’ funk from two musicians well-versed in the art.

Song: “Doey Kwam Jing Jai”

Artist: Abuse the Youth
Label: Blacksheep Sony Music
If you’re a regular gig-goer you would have found it difficult to avoid Abuse the Youth over the past few years, as the three-piece appeared on bills at venues all over Bangkok. Having forged a strong reputation on the back of their stirring live show and their debut album Under Skin, an underground classic, released back in 2009, it wasn’t much of a surprise when the band signed to Sony Music earlier this year. Slick new single “Doey Kwam Jing Jai (Sincerely)” ticks all the right boxes in terms of major label pop-rock: the production is clean, it’s catchy and will probably lodge itself in your head. But it lacks the character and rough edges of the band’s independent debut. And there’s more than a passing resemblance to the Foo Fighters. For now we’ll just stick to our well-worn copy of Under Skin.

Web Boutiques

Bag Space

Zummetry

Started by a group of graphic designers in 2011, Zummetry’s clothing is instantly recognizable for its dark tones accentuated by colorful graphics. Supposedly inspired by nature, humanity and animals, the brand does men’s and women’s wear with an emphasis on unconventional shapes and patterns. Expect gray printed shorts and leggings and t-shirts with vibrant motifs. Prices range from B690-2,900. Their latest collection, When the Night is Not Dark, blends bottoms in black, gray and dark purple with lighter-colored printed tops. During Sep, order at www.symbolsofstyle.com. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/zummetry

Bag Space Shop

Launched a year ago, Bag Space has quickly grown in popularity thanks to its simple yet refined leather bags. Think dapper but understated working man. Prices range from B1,450-B6,250. We recommend the newly arrived 13” messenger bag in brown, B5,450. Order online at www.bagspace.in.th or call 080-8100-800.

Burgundy Dipper

Burgundy Dipper’s web/store has been up and running for three years now, carrying all the big names like Ray Ban, Quay, Super and Marc Jacobs. Apart from the product list, which gets updated daily, the shop is also known for having considerably cheaper price tags than mall retailers. Sunglasses start from B580, while headphones from the likes of Marshall and UrbanEars are also available, starting from B1,490. We really like the new Karen Walker Harvest shades in Black (B8,500). Order online at www.facebook.com/BurgundyDipperShop or visit their store at MRT Phaholyothin, Exit 3. 084-100-9902. Open daily 1pm-10pm.

Made of Fabric

Launched on Facebook at the end of 2011, this new brand deals in tailor-made women’s clothing with an emphasis on candy-colored pieces. Think plaid dresses and high-waisted bottoms in pastels with delicate lacing providing the final touch. Tailor-made dress starts from B3,000 and ready-to-wear-dress from B1,800. They’ve also just started selling heels in cute, girly colors like pink and purple. Our pick is the peach white dress taken from their third collection, B2,200. Order online at www.facebook.com/madeoffabric or call 081-391-1553.

Back to BACC

Happening Shop

Green Thai Product

Green Thai Product is all about saving the Earth by promoting the reuse of materials—think shopping bags made from old rice bags, iPad cases constructed from food packaging, diaries filled with recycled paper and pencil cases made from tires. The best thing is the items don’t scream “made from used materials”—the wallets in black and brown even resemble leather alternatives, and while your new folder might be made from a plastic bag it doesn’t look like it thanks to elegant use of simple colors and practical design. Prices start from B10-1,000. Do your bit for the environment and save your money with the plain wallet, B140. 3/F, BACC, Rama 1 Rd., 086-141-7385. BTS National Stadium.

Happening Shop

Having started off as a lifestyle magazine, Happening just got even closer to its readers through their newly-opened store. The focus isn’t so much on selling magazines but rather collaboration pieces with musicians and artists, like t-shirts, notebooks, postcards and bags. Expect t-shirts bearing art executed by the likes of Stylish Nonsense, Greasy Café and The Brown Bunny, hard-to-find albums from acts like P.O.P, Goose and Armchair, as well as notebooks with arty designs. Prices start from B30-1,500. The t-shirts particularly stand out, starting from B200-370, while the adorable cat postcard also rates a mention, B35. 3/F, BACC, Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8.

Artist Colors

Fittingly your first taste of Artist Colors is its vibrant window display, which gives you a taste of their stunning product range, from aprons to postcards to t-shirts, many of which are created in collaboration with renowned artists like Thaiwijit Puangkasemsomboon. Think black and white t-shirts with watercolor designs portraying everything from elephants to temple-inspired patterns and even a portayal of hell. Postcards start from B10 and t-shirts from B290. Their bags and aprons may feature floral and animal designs, but forget those traditional styles you’ve come across at Lumpini Night Plaza—these blend Thai aesthetics with real artistic touches; take, for instance, the elephant shopping bag, B190. 3/F, BACC, Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8.

Skin on Skin

At first glance Skin on Skin might look like a typical Siam Square dress shop, but step inside and you’ll soon recognize its subtle charms. Specializing in pastel-toned women’s tops and dresses with touches of leopard print and other animal-influenced design, what really stands out is the quality of the materials used in each piece. Figuring prominently is plenty of light silk chiffon imported from France that thankfully doesn’t carry a hefty price tag. Prices start from B1,800-31,000. One must-try is the newly-arrived pastel shirt in blue, B1,800. 3/F, BACC, Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8.

Pop-Up Stores

Niche Nation

Painkiller

Known for its minimalist men’s clothing featuring unique prints, Painkiller looks to create an enduring union between fashion and function. So instead of overt fanciness, the beauty is found in the details, from sharp cuts and patchworks to silk screen prints combined with the use of muted colors like camel, beige and blue. Their latest collection, The Collector, strives for an “urban-finesse” aesthetic with a color palette inspired by old paintings. Shades of gray and blue dominate while pants also come in simple hues like white and beige. Our favorite is the purple sweater, B1,550. Visit the pop-up store at Chatujak Market, Kampangpetch Rd., MRT Kampangpetch.

Something Boudoir

Run by the same team behind Disaya, Something Boudoir takes the aesthetics of a candy store and adapts it to sweet women’s apparel, accessories and stationery all sold at affordable prices. Expect plenty of polka dots and tones like pink, light blue and purple. Candy-colored watches, mugs, notebooks and even cameras are also available, carrying adorable biscuit and ice-cream imagery. Clothing starts from B1,150 and accessories from B85. Check out the mini cat’s face bag, B1,050. Their pop-up store is currently in front of Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1098. BTS Siam.

Spy U Fashion Space

Spy Cocktail and Wine Cooler’s first fashion retail space is a pop-up store that blends an exhibition with a restaurant and bar. It will host DIY fashion workshops and the sixth annual Siam Center Design Forward: Spy U Fashion Contest giving young talent the chance to launch a career as a fashion designer. There’s also an outdoor space on the second deck to wine and dine, with cocktail selections like mojito, magarita and maitai for B60 and cocktail tower for B450. Dishes like spaghetti green curry and springrolls are also available for B70 with menus to change spontaneously. Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1098. BTS Siam.

Niche Nation

Niche Nation stocks eyewear from niche international brands like Dita, Karen Walker, Moscot, Mykita and more that you can’t find most places here. With their shop in Thonglor under renovation, visit their pop-up store at We Do Gallery through Sep 7. Prices start from B6,000 and our fave is the special edition Super Basic Florida, B9,900. Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-391-4866. BTS Thonglor.

Wonder Anatomie

Started by three siblings with a passion for prints, Wonder Anatomie focuses on women’s clothing and bags. Among the black and white suede tops featuring printed floral and butterfly designs, things like skulls also provide a slightly sinister touch. Tops start from B1,390 and bags from B4,790. We like the printed sleeveless suede top, B3,590, and the black printed jacket, B6,190. Their pop-up store is currently in front of Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1098. BTS Siam.

Data recovery
Panicking because all your photos have just disappeared from your hard drive? One of Asia’s leading homegrown data recovery service providers, the guys at Adroit Data Recovery Centre offer a full suite of data rescue solutions starting from $200. Evaluation is free and takes between one to three working days. Free pick-up services are also available with a non-refundable deposit of $65.

Gaming devices
Gamers will understand the need for express services should their beloved PSP suddenly fail in the middle of a game. One of the fastest ways to get your gaming device fixed is at Playurconsoles, with turn-around as quick as 15 minutes for minor repairs. Prices are reasonably ranged between $20 and $70, with a price match policy that ensures you’ll get the best bargain.

Old school cameras
Having been in the industry for more than a decade, Philip Tay of DE Camera Consultant has vast experience in resuscitating cameras that pre-date the digital age. Repairs here start from $150 depending on complexity.

Mountains
For a country without mountains, we sure do have some pretty good trails here, particularly those at Bukit Timah Hill or Pulau Ubin. Specially designed for mountainous trails (and easier on the wallet than the others featured here), the Explorer 2.0 features lightweight shocks and disc brakes—unlike bicycle brakes that perform poorly when wet, this baby performs equally well in all conditions.
$795 from Bike Plus.

Roads
Our best choice for road biking is the Madone 3.1—a carbon performance bike that offers riders better handling with its lower headset bearing design that improves control. The intuitive responsiveness of the bike is also designed to win competitions.
$2,799 from Treknology3.

In Town
Created for leisure, Pace Pure & Style is a stylish lifestyle bike designed to cater to a wide variety of everyday terrains in comfort—think leather handles, a deluxe cruiser saddle and high roller pedals (that improve form and aid smoother riding).
$2,495 from The Big Country.

Trails
Dirt track cycling is similar to that on mountain terrain—only more accessible. Tampines bike trail and Mandai Track 15 at Chestnut Avenue are easy trails, while  that’s even suitable for advanced trails such as the Ketam Bike Trail in Pulau Ubin (Double Black Diamond is the most difficult) and the renowned Putrajaya Challenge Park in Kuala Lumpur.
$3,495 from Bike Plus.

Don the Beachcomber Zombie
For an island nation, we sure don’t pay a lot of attention to Tiki drinks. Right that oversight with this rendition of Tiki standby, the Zombie. Tiki rum potion, apricot brandy, pineapple, bitters and passion fruit are given a good shake, then poured into a tall glass. Ready yourself for a high impact showpiece: a brown sugar cube and drop of absinthe are added to the sweet amber mix, which is flamed before serving.
$27 from Tippling Club.

For Whom The Bell Tolls
Fans of Ernest Hemingway will appreciate this tart but well-balanced rum-based short number with Maraschino, pink grapefruit and lime. It’s accompanied by a paper airplane folded from a page out of the novel which inspired it. Remove the paper clip and imbibe the pale pink libation to feel like a literary genius.
$21 from The Cufflink Club.

Ti Punc
The ingredient list for this understated drink may be the simplest of the bunch but it doesn’t compromise on flavor. A clean hit of French Caribbean rhum agricole (rum made from sugar cane juice rather than the usual molasses) and tangy freshly squeezed lime are tamed by a spoonful of sugar and a handful of ice cubes for an utterly refreshing glassful. It’s the perfect antidote to a hot day.
$16 from Balzac Brasserie.

Royal Room

Chic and stylish, this club room has a cozy interior in rich hues of warm red and dark purple. Be sure to try popular favorites like seared U.S. bay scallops served with Avruga caviar and mentaiko sauce ($14). Of course, the variety of wines, spirits and champagnes—think Dom Pérignon (from $398) and Krug (from $530)—is the main reason you’ll be back.

The King Louis Grill & Bar

A knight in shining armor (literally!) greets you at the door. Feast on The Knight’s Banquet selection like The Knight Lancelot ($132.50 for up to five persons), a seafood and meat platter including king prawns and sautéed green mussels. Wash it down with your pick of 16 international beer labels (from $9), including British beer Magners ($11.50)—the Prince would approve.

The Queen & Mangosteen

A perfect spot by the water to relax and knock back some pints, this bar boasts British delights like the Beef and Guinness pie ($18) and our personal favorite, the Queen’s Famous Fisherman’s Pie ($26). Other British options include beers like London Pride, Hobgoblin and Old Speckled Hen (all $16), and the iconic cocktail Pimm’s & Lemonade ($14) with added strawberries.

The Royal Mail Restaurant & Bar

Renowned for its roasts, this place offers roast prime rib in three choice cuts—English Cut ($48), Classic Cut ($58) and Royal Mail ($68)—served with hearty Yorkshire pudding. Wine connoisseurs will revel in the extensive list of nearly 100 wines and champagnes (from $80 to $460), including vintage champagnes and dessert wines.