Midwestern emo may have had its heyday in America over a decade ago, but bands like Jimmy Eat World, The Get Up Kids and The Promise Ring continue to serve as inspiration for a new crop of guitar-driven acts in indie scenes across Asia.
Co-released last year by Guangzhou indie label Qiii Snacks and Hong Kong’s Sweaty & Cramped, the Emotion, No compilation brought together eight acts across Asia like Wuhan’s Chinese Football and Shenzhen’s Bokchoy that define this ‘eastern emo’ movement.
Admitting that they were roped into participating after both labels approached them online, Singapore trio Forests are reaping the benefits. The album has received global praise and the group will be making their Chinese mainland debut performing at Loft 345 in Guangzhou on March 4.
“Yes, we are China virgins!” smiles the group’s drummer Niki Koh. “We really hope people bring dumplings and beer to the show. We are definitely looking to feast after.”
Cheeky irreverence permeates the group who describe their songs as “sad songs for happy people.” They formed three years ago after Niki discovered an ad on Singaporean music forum SOFT from bassist/vocalist Darrell Laser and guitarist/vocalist Adam Lee.
“Adam initially started the band with 'Foals with screaming' in mind,” Koh explains, “but along the way all of that went out the window.”
While all of the members were involved in bands thriving in Singapore’s metalcore, post-hardcore scene and progressive rock scenes, Forests have struck a significant chord with its noisy emo sound.
“Singapore’s indie music scene is great,” Koh says demurely. “It’s constantly growing with or without us. Check out our friends Long Live the Empire and Xingfoo&Roy.”
Along with other Singaporean upstarts like The Cosmic Child and The Caulfield Cult, Forests has been leading an emo wave at home while winning praise for connecting that scenes with others across the country’s musical underground.
Their sophomore album, Sun Eat Moon Grave Party, was lauded as one of Singapore’s best records last year from numerous tastemakers. Koh admits the group didn’t see any of it coming.
“Listening to the album now, maybe if we had spent some time on it, it would have been a little more polished,” he says.
Despite the constant understatements - the group once cited ‘disappointment’ as their biggest influence – Koh says the group is thrilled with the attention that the disc has received.
In addition to performing regularly in Singapore and neighboring Malaysia, they’ve completed their first tours of Japan and Taiwan. “We would like to tour them again,” Koh says. “And hopefully do Korea one day as well.”
However, the band’s trip to China is just a handful of gigs they have planned until the summer.
“We’re currently writing the next album, but it is going to take a while,” Koh says. “We’re hopefully planning to have it pressed and released by the end of the year.
Sat Mar 4, 8pm; RMB60 presale, RMB80 at the door. Loft 345.
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