Local Indie Bands : May Edition

It’s that time of the month again, where we introduce you to six local bands that we think are so worthy of your time. And to be fair, we feel that every local indie bands are deserving of your attention. But we understand that you don’t necessarily have the time and cash to go to your local gig every weekend to go check them out (THOUGH YOU SHOULD TOTALLY GO TO A GIG EVERY NOW AND THEN, THEY ARE SUPER FUN) and since we made a pact a month ago to help simplify the process of screening out local bands for you, so without further a do, and in no particular order, check out these 6 indie babies out!!

1. Satwo

Satwo is a husband and wife duo band that just exudes dark pop Nusantara new wave at it’s finest. Hailing from Kuantan, both members are both talented singers and multi-instrumentalists so do expect jaw dropping performances.

Mazlinna, when she is not playing the piano/ukulele/violin sings in the most raw yet melodic voice ever!! While her husband, Raz pretty much plays everything else (guitar/bass/etc). Did we mention that they harmonize each other’s singing as well?? Seriously, you need to listen to them!!

Link;

Instagram;

https://www.instagram.com/satwomusic/

Youtube;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TOhzkRg3G4

2. Golden Mammoth

This band truly needs no introduction. Everything they’ve released so far sounds just about amazing. Seriously, with music this good you’ll have a hard time believing that this psychedelic goodness is actually home grown. Recently they’ve opened up for the New Zealand synthpop act, Connan Mockasin in Indonesia. YES YOU HEARD THAT RIGHT!! They are so freaking good they managed to open up an international musical act at a different country (and a country known for amazeballs indie bands too might we add!!).

Led by Syabil (vocalists and lead guitarists), Golden Mammoth consists of members notoriously known for their other bands (which we will get into introducing in the next upcoming list). Que, the drummer, is also from Ramayan and bassist, Faris fronts Lust. Their music is super catchy it’s hard not to like this band!!

Link;

Instagram;

https://www.instagram.com/goldenmammothband/

Youtube;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFwF4fJO_5E

3. Sweetass

Not much can be said about Sweetass that’s not been said before. While their aesthetics can be so refreshingly punk and conceptual, it almost feels like it wasn’t meant to be deliberate. Everything about this band’s energy is just so raw, brutal and is a gigantic f*ck you to the big man. Which is much needed especially in today’s cookie cutter and safe for work KL band culture.

Call them artpunk, noisepop or hardcore, whatever they are, they are every bit as angry and as angsty as you probably anticipate from a band called Sweetass. If you truly need to mosh out angry sweats as well as grab a pretty band tshirt with a well designed logo (SERIOUSLY THEY HAVE THE COOLEST BAND TSHIRT DESIGN I SWEAR). We wouldn’t be suggesting this band if we don’t love them enough.

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sweetassrecords/?hl=en

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny_r-SSRk4Q

4. Bearscout

Bearscout is an alternative pop band from Kuala Lumpur. They make happy sad songs infused with elements of 80s synthpop and teen pop that’s just made for the young peeps or the young at heart. Though they are still new in the industry, a lot of potential can be traced in this young cool band. Give them some time and a listen and you will surely be entertained. Plus they look cute too! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bearscoutsmusic/?hl=en Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypQmW5wxw_w

5. Radiowave

We are as surprised as you when we found out that this amazing band came from Ipoh. But knowing that their biggest predecessor there is Bittersweet, it is not too weird to find a darkwave indie rock band like Radiowave in the land of shoegaze band.

Their single “Cabaret” is this moody number that turns depression into dance. Still very new to the scene, we think there’s definitely more to this band. Let’s just keep a watch on these young passionate boys.

Instagram;

https://www.instagram.com/radiowavemy/?hl=en

youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS9_cZC9HRM

6. Sister Ray

Sister Ray is this rare shoegaze band from Sarawak. Upon listening to this rare gem, you will A. FEEL OVERWHELMED WITH EMOTIONS YOU CAN’T EXPLAIN EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL and B.SCREAMS IN FRUSTRATION DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO PROCESS WHY THIS AMAZING BAND ISN’T OUT HERE PLAYING MORE SHOWS.

Seriously their song “Full of Hope” is just so beautiful it will break your heart and haunt your dreams. Their vocalist Wiwin has this distinct vocal that just works well with their atmospheric shoegaze sound. Please check them out we urge you!!

Instagram;

https://www.instagram.com/sisterray_band/

youtube;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZiRyNY27fQ

Anyway, we hoped you guys would check out all of the bands mentioned above. Remember to show these bands some love and support by following their social media handles, buy their album/ep, buy their merch, asking your local radios or event organizer bout them and most importantly. GO TO THEIR SHOWS!!! Have fun and take care. Til next time!!!

Written by Eff Hakim

When she is not doing audio work or fronting her band Pastel Lite, Eff Hakim likes to write as a means to fully express herself in whatever medium she can use. She is a big fan of Chuck Palahniuk, kewpie dolls, warm tones, meta animes and retro synthesizers. Her life philosophy that she swears by is

LIFE IS SHORT, YOLO.