As American preppy-foursome Vampire Weekend arrive in town to treat us to their ethnic pop sounds, we decided to turn our ears to the local scene. Scouring Bangkok’s bars, clubs, festivals and radio waves we went all A&R in a bid to try and discover the best in local talent—gifted and exciting musicians you can actually watch and listen to every week.
The good news is live music isn’t dead yet, and while it might not be in the rudest of health, we are happy to announce that there is life after Moderndog and Groove Riders—and plenty of places to go listen to some top new bands. Here, we make it easy for you to support the local music scene with our shortlist of the hottest bands in town. And don’t miss our round-up of live music venues at Bars to Hear Great Live Music HERE.

POOMJIT

Who they are: Puttiyos “Put” Phalajivin (vocal, piano), Kasem “Kan” Janyaworawong (guitar), Thitinan “Bomb” Chantangpol (bass) and Asanai “Max” Artskool (drums)
Why they’re hot: Their new single “Ngen Meun” strikes a perfect balance between luk thung and luk krung. And if you read BK closely, you know how much we love our mo lam. These guys get kudos for fusing khaen-inspired guitar with tight rock arrangements and whimsical lyrics.
Band Bio: Put and Kan first met at Kasetsart University through a mutual friend. Sharing a love for the same kind of music, the boys decided to form a band and entered their first band contest at the Kaset Fair. With two additional members, they continued to play at gigs and festivals for a while until Tar from the band Paradox discovered them. Their first self-produced album Found and Lost took five years to make with Tar’s help. The name Poomjit is a Thai translation of Put’s favorite band, Thai psychedelic pop quartet Proud.
Sound: They describe themselves as pop with modern psychedelic influences. Their upcoming second album is heavily influenced by the sound of the Isaan instrument khaen, and lyrics inspired by song-for-life music.
Who we think they sound like: A dumbed-down version of Dream Theater or a Paradise Bangkok party and Morrisey getting jacked up on ya dong.
Why you care: Poomjit is a band with real integrity as they’ve always played their own stuff at contests and festivals whereas many bands end up doing covers. Plus, it takes guts to fuse mo lam with modern rock, and Poomjit does it so damn well.
What next: The band is scheduled to play at the Fat Festival and the Big Mountain Festival in November and December, respectively.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/poomjit

Sound Bite

As a child?
Put: To serve and protect.
Kan: Wanted to be an astronaut.
Most annoying thing you have to encounter everyday?
Put: Intellectuals without real wisdom.
Kan: Inconsiderate people.
One word that best describes your sound?
Put: City-people-going-upcountry rock.
Kan: A Bangkokian-impressed-with-Isaan.
In 20 years?
Put: Staying at home, reading and cooking. Occasionally going on tour, like Bono.
Kan: I will be independent, take up photography and try to apply traditional Thai music to my music as much as possible.

The Jukks

Who they are: Saruyot “Gan” Kongmee (lead singer, guitar), Yutthana “Ter” Francis (bass) and Chayanont “Maew” Khrae-aiam (drum)
Why they’re hot: Having signed on to indie label Smallroom, the fun-loving trio released their debut single “Ornanong” on the Smallroom 007: Boutique album last year. Thanks to its catchy pop sensibility and tongue in cheek humor, plus a quirky video on YouTube, it was a big hit on the charts. The boys are also busy working on their as yet untitled first album and a soundtrack for Pranakorn Film’s new movie which will be in cinemas by the end of the year.
Band Bio: The three started playing together while studying at Silapakorn University. After graduating, and while holding down “boring” office jobs, they managed to self-produce their own single “Love Love Mobile Mobile“ on Myspace and build up a following playing live at parties. Their big break came after they cheekily posted a link to their single on Fat Radio’s DJ Nor’s webpage. He was suitably impressed and introduced them into the music circle, helping to get them a gig at Cosmic Café. They then worked with Lemon Factory before signing on at Small Room.
Sound: They describe themselves as alternative comedy—“irritating, naughty, funny and dirty”—and list their influences as the Cribs, Greenday and Loso (all trios), along with luk thung legend Chai Muangsing. They’ve definitely got a sense of humor as you can probably tell from their name which is short for jukkarae (armpit).
Who we think they sound like: Ramshackle and up tempo, the way they bounce along on songs like “Jukkarae” remind us of the Libertines at their anarchic best with a bit of Arctic Monkeys thrown in for good measure. Like the Monkeys the punk vibe to their sound is softened by a sense for what makes a good musical hook and a wry sense of humor.
Why you care: Sick of bands that take themselves too seriously? Well there’s none of that with these guys. Noisy and playful, upbeat and funny, they are a breath of fresh air with their carefree approach. Fortunately, they also happen to have some super catchy tunes and a great live presence to back it up.
What next: You can catch them live at midnight on Fridays at Cosmic Cafe, RCA.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/jukkarare

Sound Bites

Can’t leave home without?
Maew: Skin disease.
Most annoying thing you have to encounter everyday?
Gan: Eyelashes falling off.
Maew: Skin disease.
One word that best describes your sound?
Gan: Funny.
Ter: Dirty.
Maew: Xie (slang for “nearly something”).
In 20 years?
Gan: Water filter salesman.
Ter: Old.
Maew: A great man.

Gramaphone Children

Who they are: Jaree Thanapura
Why he’s hot: Representing indie electro pop label Kitsch Kat, Jaree Thanapura takes us on a journey back to the glorious era of disco with seven synth-driven numbers on his debut EP Ah-Huh, Ah-Huh. We love the fact that while his music is highly influenced by the 70s and 80s, it all sounds very hip and future-forward.
Band Bio: Jaree first learned how to play piano when he was a kid living in the US. After moving to Thailand, he switched to guitar and drums before starting to record live. Jaree didn’t settle on any specific genre until 5-6 years ago when he teamed up with Smallroom’s seasoned producers and artists like Cyndi Seui (Cesar B. de Guzman) and Yuri’s Nominee (Peera Sukasa) to launch indie music label Kitsch Kat, concentrating on lush electro pop. The name Gramaphone Children refers to the lo-fi quality of the music he produced using the far more basic technology available back then, and the fact that he wants to perpetually look at things with childish excitement. Other than his solo project, Jaree also doubles as PR and marketing guy for Kitsch Kat.
Sound: The 80s flair is handled skillfully, without sounding too archaic. It’s got some punk and hip hop overtones at times, making the electro easier to digest for the uninitiated.
Who we think they sound like: While he says he’s been influenced by the artists he grew up with like the Beastie Boys and Run DMC, newer indie electro outfits like Cut Copy and Chromeo do come to mind.
Why you care: Because everybody predicted the death of electro, yet it’s still alive and kicking thanks in part to Gramaphone Children and a host of other electro-loving artists on Kitsch Kat.
What next: Kitsch Kat Compilation 2 is due out November and he’s currently working on his second EP. Gramaphone will be playing alongside Cyndi Seui on Oct 22 at Club Culture with La French Riot (see +nightlife, page 22).
Website: http://www.myspace.com/gramaphonechildren

Sound Bites

As a child?:
I’ve always wanted to have superpowers, and I still wish I could attain those powers now. I have somehow failed miserably in this area of expertise.
Rule for life?
Just do it and don’t complain, and then do it again over and over and over until you annoy someone in order for them to understand the point you’re making.
Last lie?
My last important appointment, I blamed my lateness on the traffic when it was actually my elephant walking extremely slow during my commute. I’m gonna purchase a new one soon, preferably with functioning tusks.
Most inspirational person?
The inventor of the Talkbox [Bob Heil] and the Vocoder [Homer Dudley]. Hmm, it was the army that invented the vocoder for scrambling messages during the war; they also invented equalizers, limiters and compressors. So, I gotta praise war for the gear they put on my table, even though I’m a pacifist.
One word that best describes your sound?
Funky-synthamagic-ear-candy (this is one word).
In 20 years?
Our high-end music production studio will be in full effect. And of course making music until I reach the grave. Oh, and my yacht as well as a bowling alley and aquarium full
of lethal jellyfish set to a colorfully lit disco floor as seen in Saturday Night Fever, in my living room.

PLOT

Who they are: Ponwit “Wit” Rattanatanatevilai (bass), Jitivi “Pai” Banthaisong (vocal, guitar) and Wongsagorn “Wong” Santiwattanakul (drums).
Why they’re hot: The “Thai trio,” as they refer to themselves, fully embrace the power of punk and channel it with intensity on their first EP Artificial Boyfriend. Koichi Shimizu, founder of indie music label So: On Dry Flower, once said that PLOT doesn’t play music like musicians, but like architects. The band recently played a gig at the monthly indie night, Club Soma, alongside fellow indie outfit The Why Oh Oh (see this page).
Band Bio: The lads went to the same all-boys high school, where they each picked up an instrument. The band PLOT came about two years after university, when they were spotted at a gig held by Mind the Gap. They subsequently signed to So:On Dry Flower, thanks to their first fan, Bangkok-based Shimizu.
Sound: Frontman Pai describes their sound as “punk chip hai.” Expect raw bursts of youthful energy and tell-it-like-it-is lyrics.
Who we think they sound like: Marilyn Manson and Boyd Kosiyapong are cited as their inspirations, but their in-your-face guitar riffs reminds us of legendary post-punk outfits like Joy Division and The Cure as well as newer arrivals like Interpol, the Editors and even the Klaxons.
Why you care: If you dig punk, you’ll dig PLOT. Plus their likeable, humble personalities, unusual for a typical indie rock band, is sure to win you over.
What next: They will be playing at SOL (581/3 Ramkhamhaeng 39, PrachaUthit Rd., 089-770-5022. www.solbkk.com) in November, and they promise we’ll get to see them again at upcoming Club Soma parties. Their new album is due out early next year.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/plotplotplot

The Why Oh Oh!

Who they are: Skolpol “Kol” Sutthikul (vocal, guitar), Sutthirit “Oat” Hemnasai (guitar), Bird (bass), Thiti “M” Khamvithit (drums).
Why they’re hot: Hot from signing with indie music label Lemon Factory, the quartet recently played at Club Soma’s party, and drove the crowd nuts with their raw energy and unpretentious rock ‘n’ roll numbers. “Rock ‘n’ Roll Mai Mee Kwan Mai,” one of the songs included on Lemon Factory’s compilation Human Wave Attack, reflects what The Why Oh Oh! is all about: blues-inspired rock ‘n’ roll paired with suitably satirical lyrics.
Band Bio: Kol used to be in an underground metal band, but he wanted to write proper tunes. Not too long after he met Oat, who was already in a band with Bird and M. The Why Oh Oh! is a derivative from their friend Yoo who always came to see them rehearse.
Sound: They say rock with a bit of blues although their influences range from the forefathers of Thai rock like Micro and Billy O’gan to The Bee Gees and B.B. King to Vinnie Moore.
Who we think they sound like: They remind us of The Strokes and Muse.
Why you care: Judging from the success of their previous singles, The Why Oh Oh! has a long future ahead of them in the indie music scene. Their satirical take on love and society is refreshing and noteworthy.
What next: The boys are working hard on their debut album. Watch out for their new single coming out in November.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/whyoo

Sound Bites

As a child?
Oat: Addicted to handheld video games.
Kol: A BMX rider.
M: Was a skater.
Last lie?
Oat: Recently posted Facebook statuses.
Kol: The price of my bike.
M: I only tell the truth.
One word that best describes your sound?
Oat: Crunchy.
Kol: Soul.
M: Emotion.
In 20 years?
Oat: Sipping beer in a quiet place.
Kol: Playing acoustic guitar.
M: Playing with my cat and hopefully still making music

THE YERS

Who they are: Yotsatorn “Ooh” Boonyatanapiwat (singer, guitar), Tana “Tao” Kusump (percussion and keyboard), Panit “Tor” Monthakarntiwong (guitar), Tiravat “Boom” Poomuang (drum) and Nitit “Boat” Warayanon (bass).
Why they’re hot: Another group signed to Smallroom, and another group to have a single featured on Smallroom 007: Boutique. Their single, “Garn Sue San” (Communication) received praise and they were dubbed the coolest post punk in town.
Band Biog: While all the members spent their high school and university years playing in bands it’s perhaps lead singer, Ooh, who has the most musical pedigree as younger brother of Bu the bassist from Slur. It was Ooh who came up with the name The Yers and landed them gigs at major festivals like Fat Fest.
Sound: Their Myspace describes them as folk, punk, post punk and it’s all tinged with a dark outlook courtesy of Ooh, who believes that pessimism has its own charm and beauty. They tackle negative feelings through stylish ballads, moaning guitars and meaningful lyrics. Introspective groups like The Editors, The Arcade Fire and White Lies are top influences.
Who we think they sound like: Despite obvious musical references to all the above there is also something refreshingly unique about The Yers. Maybe their country-tinged acoustic numbers and rock-inspired tracks have a bit of Bodyslam about them.
Why you care: While they definitely have a punk sensibility underpinning a lot of their tunes, they stand out from similar bands thanks to Ooh’s striking voice, some interesting harmonies and intriguing percussion. We also can’t help but embrace their dark outlook on life.
What next: Releasing their first album early next year.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/yeryeryers

Sound Bites

Most annoying thing you have to encounter everyday:
Ooh: Sunshine.
Tao: BB.
Boat: No one laughing at my jokes.
Boom: Rats.

One word that best describes your sound: Heartbroken, dark, cool, punk, rock.

In 20 years:
Tor: Living my life.
Ooh: Teaching my kids to play piano.
Tao: Carrying a cane. 
Tao: BB.
Boat: Comparing my bass with The Richman Toy to see which is more dilapidated; Boom: Dead.

The last thing I need right now is to have to compete for workout space so I was relieved when Traders Hotel launched its newly refurbished Health Club & Spa (4/F Traders Hotel, 1A Cuscaden Rd., 6831-4350), which is an integrated fitness centre equipped with everything to fulfil your holistic lifestyle needs. It also has something your regular gym doesn’t: A spa. This one features some extravagant treatments, including the Ready Set Gold body, face and scalp treatment using highly prized argan oil. Year-long memberships are open to the public and can be had for $1800. Register from now till Nov 30 for a 15% early bird reduction.

I’ve always liked Strip; they really are the global “waxpert.” Now that they’ve got a spanking new space at their City Hall (#B1-19 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6837-0070) outlet, they’re diversifying beyond hair removal. I tried out their Strip Tatt ($10 for an ala carte service and $8 if you have a package with Strip) the other day and thought the entire service was just… odd. One of the “Striperellas” sticks a stencil on whichever part of your body you want the tattoo on and smears henna over it to produce a brownish tattoo in your preferred shape. The whole process takes about seven minutes and costs more than a tub of henna. As a complimentary add-on to your customary wax, it may be a cute novelty but on its own, nah.

Despite celebrating its 30th anniversary this year (wow, has it been that long?), lifestyle brand OSIM (#04-15 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-1085) has revamped its entire retail concept, to include a spaceship-like fixture called the Trial Pod, which enables you to test out wellness machines like the ukimono Mini, uCrown, uDolly and uMist.

We live in the multi-tasking revolution, with everyone a fan of doing many things simultaneously (and some rather poorly, we might add), so it’s only natural that a new breed of multipurpose furniture has taken hold. Offering simple and quick solutions for getting the most out of our living or work space, these pieces perform multiple tasks with a simple fold or flip. We handpicked some of the best so that you too can transform your environment.

Tavoflex
What it is: A multi-functional coffee table.
Why we love it: If you suffer from a short attention span, then you’ll love this swing-up table top contraption. With Tavoflex, your coffee table now has the potential to be so much more—a work desk, a snack table or even additional storage space. Imagine having the remote control, laptop, notes and cookie jar all within your reach as you do your work—now that’s what we call being productive (or just plain lazy).
$99 from Häfele, #03-00 Nutzcentre, 68 Sungei Kadut Loop,
6494-7400.

Mico
What it is: We’re not quite sure. But it sure looks cool.
Why we love it: Installation art aficionados will love the sheer ambiguity of this piece designed by Brit design collective El Ultimo Grito. The Mico is the perfect centerpiece for any home or gallery. It also moonlights as a chair or a play toy for children (OK, so we do know what it is). According to the designers, the Mico allows “children to explore the object as an aid to play by defining physical functions they can perform, or by creating their own associations and stories around the objects through intellectual engagement.”
$470 from XTRA, #01-01 Park Mall, 9 Penang Rd., 6336-0688.

Obelisk
What it is: A freestanding monolith that transforms into a furniture set.
Why we love it: Collect a few of these and you can make your own Stonehenge right in your living room or backyard. Designed by Dutchman Frank Ligthart for German furniture brand Dedon, the towering Obelisk is an impressive piece of engineering. It’s a sculpture formed with 4 lounge chairs and a cocktail table. You stack the chairs on top of the table to form the obelisk when you want more space.
$12,820 from XTRA, #01-01/02 Winsland House 1, 3 Killiney Rd.,
6836-0288.

Trey Chair
What it is: An office chair that transforms into a rocker, foot stool, laptop desk and side table. Ingenious!
Why we love it: This chair knows more positions than the Kama Sutra! It springs into action with one swift flip of the latch, transforming into a rocking chair complete with rails for balance. The base becomes a side table, footrest, or extra seat. Just perfect for that Halo 3 showdown on the Xbox. Even Megatron would be impressed.
From $330 at www.treychair.com.

Two Tops Table
What it is: A dining table that transforms into a work table.
Why we love it: Like all Singaporeans, the idea of work is ingrained in our consciousness. Working is second nature, after eating. The Two Tops Table is perfect for those who want to score brownie points by bringing work home. Designed by the illustrious Marcel Wanders, it utilizes the space under the tabletop with ingenuity, creating a recess for dreaded work implements like laptops, notebooks and such, thus saving precious space. Something noteworthy (in our books) is the modern/traditional mix in the overall design.
$8,890 from SPACE Furniture, 2/F Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd, 6415-0000.

Not into avant garde? Get your retro fix here:

Lorgan’s Retro Store
Founded by entrepreneur Lorgan Wong, this funky loft is stocked with the coolest pieces of furniture inspired by the 40s through 70s. Be prepared to engage in a bit of exciting time travel with stuff like a 60s pod chair equipped with a mini sound system and Art Deco ashtrays as you browse his vintage collection sourced from all over the world.
#01-03 Century Warehouse, 100E Pasir Panjang Rd., 6272-4988

The Heritage Shop
If antiques make you spin with excitement, go to one of Singapore’s oldest neighborhoods and pop by this collectibles haven, which houses a mammoth collection of homeware like tiffin tins, posters from the 50s and pretty china sets. Truly old school. #01-01, 93 Jalan Sultan, 6223-7982

Like That One
As its name suggests, all you need to do is recall that piece of furniture that you liked in the past and chances are you’ll find it here—remixed. Owners Belle and Cheu combine vintage California-style furnishings with local flavor and make creative artworks out of bamboo chairs, hotel lobby paintings and old suitcases.
#09-04 Skytech, 2 Bukit Batok St. 24, 9125-1492

Just when I think things are beginning to die down a little, events such as the Austrian Wine Festival 2010 keep me on my tippy toes. In its second year, this month-long celebration of more than 60 wines from Austria involves over 10 different restaurants around town including Bistro Soori, Esmirada and Fifty Three. Together with some good media friends, I shamelessly indulged in a nine-course feast, with exquisite wines, hosted at Brasserie WOLF (#01-13 The Pier at Robertson, 80 Mohamed Sultan Rd., 6835-7818). One of my favorites was Chef Angelo Sanelli’s pan-seared foie gras and rosemary quail breast on a divine fig and walnut bread. The festival kicks off with an opening dinner ($125) at Brasserie WOLFon Oct 15. For more details, check out their Facebook page “Austrian Wine Festival (Singapore) 2010,” through Nov 15.

After a long overdue visit, I finally made it down to Tiffin Club (16 Jiak Chuan Rd., 6323-3189). It’s an intimate space, which would be perfect for a quiet, romantic meal. Too bad I was there with my boss (no offence intended, I swear). I’m dead certain he would’ve traded my company for that of a sweet young thing in half a second. But I digress. The appetizer platter ($23) is a great sharing portion of crisp laksa croquettes, chicken satay, tahu telor and spicy mango salad. Pork two ways ($28) consists of a pork loin roulade of spinach with a Chinese scallop sauce and an orange-tamarind glazed barbeque pork belly with butternut squash. The pork belly was an impressive showcase of Chef Iskander Latiff’s culinary skills. I would have gladly polished off mountainous plates of the stuff. Delicately-scented lemongrass panna cotta ($8) was a delightful note to end our meal on.

Just a hop, skip and a jump away is André Chiang’s highly-anticipated restaurant, ANDRE (41 Bukit Pasoh Rd., 6534-8880), which threw open its doors last Sunday. I’m itching to give it a whirl. Hopefully I can find some time to head down for a taste of chef Chiang’s superb food.

If you’re feeling romantically-inclined, or environmentally so, The Fullerton Heritage will be collaborating with The Lighting Detectives and turning off the lights for Candle Night @ Marina Bay on Oct 15. This one night affair will turn One Fullerton and Clifford Pier into a candle-lit dining destination (at least you know who turned off the lights).

Burgers have something of a bad rep, thanks to the proliferation of fast food heavyweights around the world. But certain establishments seek to reclaim the humble meat patty and make it a meal to be proud of. Here’s our verdict on some worthy options for when you next get the urge.

Fat Boy’s The Burger Bar
The burger: There’s no doubt about it. Their Bolly Wooly ($11) is the best of the lot. Purists may threaten to revolt (what with our winner having a non-beef patty and a more unusual flavor profile), but we aren’t about to budge. Take a lamb patty so juicy it’s almost obscene, smother it with a mildly sour-sweet mango chutney, as well as a creamy homemade curry remoulade, lay it gently down on a bed of lettuce leaves, then sandwich all that goodness in between honey oat bread. Is it going to be messy? Hell, yeah! But getting down and dirty is half the fun. And talk about good value!
Bun: Filling ratio = 1:1.5
On the side: Flat, thick-cut golden fries come with.
Wash it down: Milkshakes here are good bets. Their Bailey’s rendition really hits the spot. You can also pick from Stellas and Hoes, or grab a Pure Blonde (that’s low carb to boot).
The verdict: 5/5
187 Upper Thomson Rd., 6252-8780.

Hard Rock Café
The burger: It really is true when they say everything is bigger in America. These boys aren’t kidding when they call it “The Legendary Experience.” The S.O.B. burger ($26) is truly monstrous (not that we’re complaining). For starters, a nicely-charred 10oz (280g) hunk of Certified Angus Beef. Slap on Monterey Jack cheese, grilled onions and guacamole. Don’t forget lightly-toasted bread and chipotle pepper puree. We can’t stress how addictive the deep red chipotle is. Just tangy enough to tantalize your taste buds, with a real heat that’s not recommended for amateurs. There’s no glam way to do it. So just hold on tight and open wide. Oh, and just in case you were wondering, S.O.B. stands for South of the Border, not that other thing you potty mouths were thinking of.
Bun: Filling ratio = 1:1.25
On the side: Accompanied by thick-cut fries that are perfect with the fiery chipotle.
Wash it down: An American classic, coke. And none of that diet nonsense, please. Beer works too.
The verdict: 4/5
#02-01/03-01 HPL House, 50 Cuscaden Rd., 6235-5232.

Burger Bench & Bar
The burger: We went with a classic combo, the sautéed mixed mushroom and cheese beef burger ($8.20). For a cheap eat that costs just the slightest bit more than McD’s, we reckon they’ve got a good thing going. It’s still fast food, as far as the time it takes. But it feels so much better for us. The shrooms were nicely done, the meat had enough fat to still be succulent and the cheese suitably melted. We’ll be back for a quickie, anytime.
Bun: Filling ratio = 1:1
On the side: Add on a generous serve of in-house russet potato crisps for just $1.
Wash it down: For a nostalgic throwback to yesteryear, have yourself a can of Kickapoo. Grownups can opt for Asahi (on tap).
The verdict: 4/5
#01-02 Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Rd., 6737-9947.

Brewerkz Riverside Point
The burger: We settled on the Mexicano ($21), in a plain jane bun that’s lightly grilled and not at all soggy. Although the Australian beef patty wasn’t as burnished as we like ‘em, the thick guacamole, loads of sour cream, jalapenos and beer chili, with whole beans and bits of mince, really made for a satisfying eat. For those who feel so inclined, a slice of raw onion and tomato, half a dill pickle and two lettuce leaves wait their fate on the side. Upping the spice quotient is the pico de gallo, a tomato-based sauce with onions, cilantro and broccoli.
Bun: Filling ratio = 1:1
On the side: There’s an option of thick cut fries or onion rings, we went with the former which were fine, though someone else’s onion rings whizzed by and we were tempted to hijack them.
Wash it down: You’re in a microbrewery for goodness sake, so anything other than one of theirs would be a cardinal sin. There’s India Pale Ale, Oatmeal Stout and Darkside Lager (our choice), just to name a few.
The verdict: 3/5
#01-05/06 Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Rd., 6438-7438.

The Handburger
The burger: We figured The Works ($11.80) was a good way to go. There’s everything in there but the kitchen sink. Throw in 150g of New Zealand ribeye patty, crispy rashers of bacon, battered onion rings, a sunny side up egg, lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, cheddar and don’t forget the carbs. Usually served with a caramelized onion bun, we shook things up with a spinach and parmesan option (all their fresh bread is baked in-house). The matte green-hued lid was barely grilled and a little soggy, while the beef lacked fat which resulted in a tough patty. Pity about the waterlogged bun and dry meat, as the sweet onion jam, basil pesto mushrooms and oozing cheese were fantastic.
Bun: Filling ratio = 1:3 (we kid you not)
On the side: They offer chunky fries sprinkled with paprika and thin, waffle-cut vegetable crisps—a medley of potato, taro and sweet potato (both $4.80). Condiments are the stars here, with spicy tartare and herb tomato with garlic dip. But our favorite is the incredibly fragrant and tangy sweet chili kaffir lime aioli.
Wash it down: We reckon their milkshakes would bring all the boys to the yard, and us too. There’s naked chocolate or peanut butter with banana. We fell hard for the thick, sweet and creamy Nutella ($4.50), with three torched marshmallows.
The verdict: 3/5
#B1-65/66 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6334-4577.

For the herbivores:

Onaka
44 Rochester Park, 6778-0246.
This gem of a café serves up healthy but tasty food. One to try is their vegetarian Carribean burger ($9.50), served with a garbanzo bean (chickpea) mash. A multigrain bun hides homemade chipotle ketchup and a black bean and brown rice vegetable patty that’s surprisingly filling.

Veganburg
44 Jalan Eunos, 6844 6868.
Less than a week old, this intriguing new burger joint specializes in promoting the vegan lifestyle. Expect burgers such as char-grilled satay and cracked pepper mayo in organic rye buns, with seaweed fries for company.

In our 15 years covering the scene in Singapore, the city has changed almost beyond recognition. It’d be hard to overstate just how much we love the place right now. But that’s not to say it’s perfect, and few people know that better than the folks out there pushing the creative boundaries. To take the nation’s pulse, we sat down with some of the city’s most prominent industry players—social and lifestyle entrepreneurs Elim Chew (77th Street), Chris Lee (Asylum) and Christopher John Fussner (Sifr); acclaimed filmmakers Royston Tan (15) and Eric Khoo (My Magic); award-winning playwright Alfian Sa’at (Corridor); author-musician X’ho (Skew Me You Rebel Meh?); comedian Irene Ang (Fly Entertainment); and PR specialist Tracy Phillips (Present Purpose)—for a frank and honest discussion about the state we’re all in.

Who has the best job in Singapore these days?
Elim Chew: I think the president has a wonderful job. Generally, the person who is able to do what they want to do, waking up when they want to wake up, and managing their own timeline and perhaps being able to go on a sabbatical for six months [laughs]—that person has the best job, even if it’s the toughest.
Eric Khoo: The president—definitely.
X’ho: State Ministers.
Christopher John Fussner: Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
Irene Ang: I think taxi drivers have the best job. Their time is flexible, they know where to get the best food, they hear the juiciest stories and always have an audience when they want to tell their stories! You cannot run or jump out of the car when they are talking!

I-S 15th Anniversary Round Table Discussion from IS Video on Vimeo.

State of Singapore discussion. Participants: Elim Chew, Tracy Phillips, Royston Tan, Alfian Sa'at and Chris Lee.
Moderated by Terry Ong, I-S Associate Editor. Hosted at The White Rabbit.

Who has the crappiest job then?
Alfian Sa’at: Journalists. I wouldn’t want to be in their position ...especially if you’re kind of independent minded and have opinions of your own, [given] the kind of compromises that you have to make along the way and the kind of editorial contortions that you have to put up with.
Chris Lee: I have a very mainstream view about life, especially about the immigrants who built this city; and how we still don’t want them to live near us, and how we think that having their quarters near our homes devalues our land, which is really sad. They probably have the crappiest job.
Irene Ang: Yeah, just look at the jobs that Singaporeans don’t pick up!
Eric Khoo: The hangman, because he literally gets peanuts for the executions and there is so much work involved like calculating the drop, the length of rope and the weight of the condemned. And it could be a bloody mess if done wrong. And I don’t fancy killing.
X’ho: Maids and cab drivers.
Christopher John Fussner: The Courtesy Lion.
Royston Tan: Filmmakers have the crappiest job. We’re all unemployed!

Is it just us, or is the city getting way too expensive?
Elim Chew: For someone like me who started a business in the past; I used to pay single digits for per sq. ft., but rental today is $40-50 per sq. ft. It’s now three times the price, but one third the size…
Tracy Phillips: It’s true. Singapore is even more expensive now than New York, which is ridiculous. Per sq. ft., we are now triple the price of downtown Manhattan.
Irene Ang: If I were to tell my late grandmother how much I pay for parking and ERP these days, I think she [would] faint...
Alfian Sa’at: A very peculiar thing about Singapore is that it’s a city state, but at the same time, it’s also a heartland. The kind of tension that we have which exists when the idea of the suburb and city is mixed together might have indirectly influenced the state of things now…
Royston Tan: Which is why I suggest that the government bring down the GST back to three percent. If one day, if we could only get all the decision makers to stay in a HDB flat, take public transport and experience what normal people go through … they’d really understand how expensive this city is.
Christopher John Fussner: That said, a 60-cent kopi here is still more do-able than an eight dollar latte elsewhere…

Is it because we’re over-ambitious? Does Singapore take itself way too seriously?
Alfian Sa’at: I remember (ex-Prime Minister) Goh Chok Tong once saying that “we take our fun seriously,” which is the equivalent of throwing a big giant wet blanket over the whole island. I can’t think of a worse party-pooping statement, really. As for being over ambitious, I think there’s nothing wrong with that, except that it’s a very singular form of ambition, which can’t see beyond economic imperatives.
X’ho: You bet. Earnest is our middle name.
Tracy Phillips: It sometimes feels that way, especially whenever I hear another announcement that we’re going to be the next “hub” of something. We shouldn’t forget there’s beauty in letting things grow organically, or that at the end of the day, the proof is in the pudding, not the press releases. You can’t fake it to make it. It has to be organic.
Irene Ang: The government, yes! The people, not really. In fact Singaporeans really need to work harder and smarter or our foreign friends will really beat us in this game.
Eric Khoo: Although sometimes I think that we do not take ourselves seriously enough—we have massive inferiority complexes in too many areas...
Elim Chew: Taking oneself too seriously or being ambitious is a personal choice. We have the freedom to choose what we want. To a carefree person, we are too serious. To a serious person, the carefree guy has a lousy attitude. So it’s all a choice and individual perception. Thank god I can still choose.
Chris Lee: I think ambition is fine if we know our own DNA. Like we know that we’re really organized and efficient. [Being sexy] requires more than just a Grand Prix. We’re still a little too uptight.

So how sexy are we then?
Eric Khoo: Well, Singapore may not be sexy to foreigners, but Singaporean chicks certainly are.
Royston Tan: Well that depends on how we perform in bed. Some people can be extremely charismatic behind closed doors, but obviously only a few as you can see from our declining birth rates [laughs].
Chris Lee: We’re definitely not sexy. We do our work well and we are trustworthy but we’re definitely lacking in the sex department.
Christopher John Fussner: Singapore is sexy, but there are varying degrees of sexiness; we’re not floating everyone’s boat just yet.
X’ho: Sexy, no. Nouveau hip, yes—insecure to the hilt, like our government.

So we’re hip and cool?
Eric Khoo: Very much so. To ourselves that is.
Elim Chew: Of course we are. How else can we be uniquely Singapore if we’re not? We have Integrated Resorts, held the first Youth Olympic Games, hosted the F1, and have a booming night entertainment [scene] earning the name of a city that does not sleep. If these [things] are not being stylish, then what is?
Alfian Sa’at: I’ll tell you three big strikes against cool—caning, hanging and chewing gum. To be hip or cool, we need soft power. It’s one of those things that we need to build domestically first because there’s still a cultural cringe over our own local products, this sense that we’re not at ease in our own skin.
Tracy Phillips: I hardly think of Singapore in these terms because it’s home. It’s familiar, it’s comfortable, it’s efficient. But most visiting friends from overseas think the city has some cool cache, in part because their initial ideas of Singapore were way more stiff and draconian.

So have we gotten rid of the stigma where we’re nothing more than a country that bans chewing gums and cane vandalizers? How far have we opened up over the years?
Christopher John Fussner: I’d say marketing tool rather than stigma. Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew laying down on the vandal back in the day was one of the best publicity moves of all time. Some people may have seen that as terrible but rest assured a lot more people saw that as great. The pace has been good … the amount of change that has come—both organic and injected—is a sight to see for anyone. We could use a little more love on the B-side though, but that’s just me.
Tracy Phillips: It’s been gradual. There has been a broader exchange of ideas and people as the Internet, affordable air travel and various government agencies have made Singapore more accessible to companies, visitors and the rest of the world. Some people might say having two casinos is a sign of Singapore opening up. But with film and media censorship laws, it still feels like we have a long way to go.
Alfian Sa’at: I think it’s been one big tedious and frustrating striptease when it comes to liberalization policies in Singapore. They’ll flash a bit of thigh, but then cover up some other spot. So you’re hopeful and tantalized for a moment—yay, there’s a multi-tier film rating system!—and then it stops short of expectations. Ditto with coming up with Speaker’s Corner—oh, finally, legal assembly!—and then telling you that a “cause-related gathering” of ONE person outside its parameters can result in a police officer telling you to “move on.”
Eric Khoo: We have come light years since the 70s and 80s but of course, there’s always room for improvement. But for heaven’s sake, drop the R21 rating because kids can legally f**k by the time they’re 18! I miss bringing my kids to a good fight film these days without any cuts!
Royston Tan: Well, it’s a bit better now. At least now we can have “coffee” with our ministers too [laughs].

If you could change one law here, what would it be?
Irene Ang: The freedom to speak and write, for real.
X’ho: Actually, I like the sexism in Section 377A [which criminalizes sex between mutually consenting adult men], so am not about to call for change!
Royston Tan: I’d declare public holidays every Monday, because people need to recover from clubbing on Sunday.
Elim Chew: $500 fine for anyone who complains for the sake of complaining. Singapore will be the richest nation in the world.
Chris Lee: We should make it easier for buskers to busk in the streets, like punks in Japan where they get to do anything they want without applying for licenses and dance in the street. Forget the license.

Christopher John Fussner: I agree. For some of the zoning laws for construction or setting up of establishments, we need a bigger mix of typologies in urban areas. We should shift the context of city centers, instead of viewing areas as defined segments of the city, put more emphasis on establishing “mini-towns.” Chinatown, Little India, Tiong Bahru and Haji Lane are good examples of this type of scale. I feel our urge to become more “modern” has offset the type of scale that’s workable for us. Everything is moving towards bigger is better, or areas with character and history moving towards a sort of tasteless gentrification.
Tracy Phillips: Relax censorship. I’m tired of watching TV and films and missing the nuances and the sub-text because of scene snips. And ban styrofoam use in hawker centers.
Alfian Sa’at: The Newspaper and Printing Presses Act. We simply need diversity in Singapore. Young people these days are apathetic and cynical because they’re not stupid, lah; they recognize propaganda when they read it and when we have [propaganda], it makes it less livable. Newspapers don’t reflect their reality and aspirations as it’s still very top down and paternalistic. What they’re hearing is not their own voice but issued from a loudspeaker.

So are we apathetic or empathetic?
X’ho: We’re apathetic and kiasu; but we can’t help it in a kiasu culture of fear, can we?
Eric Khoo: We’re both, actually.
Alfian Sa’at: We’re definitely apathetic. There are ... values like tolerance and inclusivity which should be taken more seriously; allowing certain people to be who they are. It’s always responsibility-based discourse versus rights-based discourse here … the idea of protecting the public rather than protecting the individual. We need to allow individuals the chance to express themselves.
Royston Tan: It’s important to celebrate differences and originality; just because we think differently, doesn’t mean we’re rebelling against the system. The government operates on a “top down” and “better safe than sorry” approach—but in this time and age, if we’re still so caught up in our comfort or safety zone, we’ll never catch up with the rest of the world.
Christopher John Fussner: In other words, we should also be more “sympathetic.”

What should Singaporeans be more concerned about?
Elim Chew: Things are looking brighter for us. The economy is improving, the bilateral relationship with our neighbor is also improving and major worries are being addressed by the goverment as pointed out by the Prime Minister in his National Day address. Instead of being concerned and being shackled by worries, we should do what we do best by planning ahead, keep on improving and make more money. If we’re struggling all the time, it’s hard for us to create change.
Alfian Sa’at: Demographic shifts due to globalization and immigration and how this chips away at what is a fragile notion of being “Singaporean.” And also for Singaporeans to be able to find our little pockets of freedom. Because at a certain age, we all do feel like we want to do something important like change society through all our little naïve ideals. We should also educate censors really. What I don’t get is the paranoia of a simple depiction of drug-taking or gangsterism to them is deemed as a promotion of a lifestyle. It’s weird…
Christopher John Fussner: Keeping our cultural fabric intact, more nationalism and embracing our own backyard.
Tracy Phillips: Nurturing creative thought. It’s going to take some originality and alternative thinking to stay relevant in the years to come.
X’Ho: Yes, Singaporeans need to stop being so brain-dead!
Chris Lee: Open our eyes and see the world around us. Only when we have an open mind can we excel in this new age. There’s a huge Asian wave in the next decade so it’d be a pity to miss it.
Eric Khoo: A thought or two for the foreign laborers who built this gorgeous metropolis for us to enjoy.
Royston Tan: That we always have a choice and we have rights.

So what about the next generation of Singaporeans? What are we doing about them?
Christopher John Fussner: No clue. Last I heard, we’re still trying to foster more creativity in our school systems.
Elim Chew: We need better education, definitely. For example, Singaporeans don’t know how to drive when they’re overseas because they’ve been so spoon-fed here with road signs (laughs). But at certain levels we need them to rely on their own instincts and gut feel on where they’re going. We lose that because everything is so laid out for us. I think that’s something that we need to educate the young about, including how they can respond more to the arts, films and culture.
Chris Lee: We should ban all the kids from staying at home with their parents. We should force them to move out. Then they can go out partying and have fun without getting nagged.

So what can we still do to have a good time here?
X‘ho: Get the hell away from Singaporeans!
Elim Chew: Read I-S Magazine, and then travel out.
Chris Lee: We need to travel for inspiration…
Royston Tan: I really have to travel out once every three months because I really like the disorganized mess in different countries. Everything is too structured here and very uninspiring.
Christopher John Fussner: A lot of my leisure time is spent eating and drinking … the idea of my own city garden plot has been on my mind for some time now. But yes, we still prefer to look at other people’s grass.
Irene Ang: I think there’s a growing group of us that are out for the experience, probably sick of running the rat race, and just wants to travel the world and be happy. I think this has come about also because we are well-travelled, well-read, and know that there is a lot out there other than chasing the 5Cs which has become a dated concept. But as Asians, it has been drilled in us to work hard and reap the rewards. So I think we are now conflicted between the two.

Finally, if you were making a movie or writing a book about Singapore, what would you call it?
Royston Tan: Disneyland with Capital Punishment.
Eric Khoo: Zombie State.
Tracy Phillips: It Is What It Is.
Christopher John Fussner: Kongsi, something about Singaporean clan wars pre-1965. Throw in a little romance and a struggling protagonist and we’ve got something...
Irene Ang: A period movie set in the 20s through 1996 called Singapore, complete with the dirty Singapore River, chewing gum and all.
Alfian Sa’at: The Boy Who Wore His Songkok to School.
Elim Chew: We Can Create the Change We Want to be directed by Royston Tan.

This week sees the city’s fashionistas crowding around the catwalks for the Autumn/Winter 2010/11 shows. For complete listings, Click to Elle Fashion Week & Bangkok International Fashion Week 2010 HERE. But we’re also interested in what’s happening out there on the pavement and that’s where we went hunting for hot looks that actually work in the real world. What we found, a small but growing population who isn’t afraid to take risks with their style. They may be young, but let them be your inspiration to mix, match and flaunt your personality.

1. Natcharee, 25, flight attendant ♥ Kloset
2. Ohm, 23 ♥ Chatuchak’s secondhand
3. Meemi, 21, student,  ♥ Fly Now
4. Peck, 26, singer ♥ Marc Jacobs
5. Puntaree (Pleng), 21, student ♥ Zara, TOPSHOP
6. Puttipong, 23, student ♥ CPS, Lee, Ray Ban
7. Money, 18, student ♥ secondhands
8. Nanaril, 24, writer and assistant stylist ♥ Christian Louboutin
9. MYNDDCK,18, student ♥ TOPSHOP
10. Pipe, 23 ♥ Siam Square
11. Saratsanun, 22, student ♥ Vivienne Westwood
12. Lelwalee, 51, Banking Officer
13. Nont, 20, student ♥ Fred Perry
14. Hong, 24, graphic designer ♥ Sweet Chic
15. Pantida, 22, film director assistant ♥ Fendi
16. May, 24, designer  ♥ black jeans
17. Worakorn, 22, student ♥ Soda
18. Laksamee, 21, student
19. Netty, 17, student ♥ Siamsquare, Suanlum Night Bazaar
20. Theeranee, 25, shop owner ♥ YSL, Balenciaga
21. Takashi Yurotsu, 28, graphic designer
22. Natcha, 23, student ♥ Martin
23. Janejira, 24, marketing ♥ Nine West
24. Jida, 31, singer ♥ vintage
25. Fai Sirichat, 24, english news anchor, ♥ Chloé
26. Eve, 17, student ♥ Siam Square
27. Prommintr, 20, student

Is this fashion? Find out what the experts think here.

Essentials

1. B1,500, Elegance (Central)
2. B2,690, Arosse by Nuance (Loft)
3. B590, Cote Table (Central)
4. B30, Article (Central)
5. B190, Ektra (Central)
6. B215, Ektra (Central)
7. B250, Loft
8. B695, Chef’n (Central, Loft)
9. B110, Anita Home (Central)
10. B1,950, Loyfar (Central, Paragon)
11. B450, Anita Home (Central)
12. B450, Keetat (Central)
13. B290, Ektra (Central, Paragon)
14. 4 pairs for B95, Flower Ware (Central)

Central. 4/F, Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd., 02-793-7777. BTS Chidlom
Loft. 4-5/F, Siam Discovery Center, 02-658-0238. BTS Siam
Paragon. 999 Rama 1 Rd., 02-690-1000 BTS Siam.

Celebrating a decade in contemporary arts, the four-day fair will feature cutting-edge works curated by prestigious galleries like Artêria (Canada), Caldwell Snyder Gallery (US), Shonandai Gallery (Japan) and Other Criteria (UK); spoiling us art addicts for choice. I-S suggests the following itinerary to make sure you don't miss out.

ARTSingapore Main Show (Oct 8-11)
This is a rare opportunity to view a vast collection of the world’s newest artistic pieces under one roof. With over $5 million worth of sales recorded last year, the fair attracts serious buyers from all over the world. The high prices are not restricted to works from world-renowned artists like Yang Tao's "A Toy that Wishes to Fly" (HaKaren Art Gallery); many emerging artists make their name here. A special area titled “New Finds” is where you can bear witness to the talents of local and international artists. From the likes of Dutch photographer Brenda Reimers’ vivid landscapes and commercial work, Malaysian born painter Soon Lai Wai’s realistic traditional Chinese paintings and Chennai-based photographer K.R. Santhana Krishanan’s inventive illusionary approach towards common images; ARTSingapore is more than an art fair, it’s a place of discovery.

A Rough Guide To (The Meaning Of) A Life 3.0 at SONY New Media Space (Oct 9-10)
Having been named "The Most Promising Young Artist" at the UOB Painting of the Year Award at the tender age of 18, and received both the San Francisco International Film Festival Golden Gate Award and the New Visions Video Merit Award in 1998, Singaporean artist Tan Kai Syng is no stranger to the art scene. Her interactive multimedia presentation at this year’s fair explores the meaning of life through her digital alter-ego, Kaidie. The installation will include a film of Kaidie’s adventures as she runs for 1,000 days through multiple levels of life in search of its meaning. Visitors can also participate by interacting with Kaidie in her virtual city, Nondon, via a live web-chat (Oct 9, 4pm; Oct 10, 6:30pm).

Art Conversations (Oct 9-10)
Some of the most respected and distinguished speakers in the art industry have graced this occasion in the past. This year sees Director of Sotheby’s Institute of Arts, Phil Whitaker, chairing the session “Conversation with Art Connoisseurs: Contemporary Asian Art as Investment—Its History. Its Future.” Also on the list is renowned Chinese artist, Yang Shaobin, who will discuss his personal artistic journey. This is an important session to attend if you’re interested in a deeper understanding of both the business and creative aspects of art.

ARTSingapore 2010 is on Oct 8-11. 4/F Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Blvd., 6337-2888. $10 per entry, $20 seasonal ticket (unlimited entries).