Showing 1 - 10 of 42
Cut above the rest
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 12/05/2019
» We first heard the name Cut The Crab back in 2014 when their single Mai Mee Kam Tob (Without Doubt) was featured in the Future Sound Of Bangkok's envelope-pushing debut compilation. Besides being one of the most forward-thinking records of that year, the compilation also gave us a sample of what local talents were capable of. Along with eclectic artists ranging from DCNXTR and Gramaphone Children (Jaree Thanapura) to Nolens.Volens. and Plastic Section, Cut The Crab stood out among the gifted bunch as a highly promising newcomer with a keen ear for electro-pop brilliance. Even though the band hasn't been exactly prolific over the past few years, the trio-turned-duo are now back at it with the release of their self-titled debut EP, a six-track collection that's been nearly half a decade in the making.
Top 25 Singles of 2019 (Part II)
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 29/12/2019
» As tradition dictates, we rummaged through some 200 singles we'd reviewed over the past 12 months and narrowed it down to 25. Here's what we learned in 2019: Thai fusion is still very much a go-to for most up-and-coming bands including Southern Boys and Suthep Entertainment, who both look to their roots for inspiration. This year also had its fair share of blazingly political moments, thanks to Solange, Lana Del Rey and our own rap troupe Rap Against Dictatorship. One final note, even though this list is split into two parts spreading across this and next week, these tracks are not ranked and their order is completely arbitrary in nature.
Portrait Of An Artist
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 06/10/2019
» "I just don't wanna be back in this place again/ I mean, I done cried a little/ Tried a little, failed a little/ I don't wanna do it again," Brittany Howard confesses on History Repeats, a funky opener to her solo debut Jaime. Built on acid jazz and neo-soul groove, the song bustles with the genre-blurring spirit of her former band Alabama Shakes and her own irreverent energy. Singing those words, Howard sounds empowered and energised like a weight has been lifted. "History repeats and we defeat ourselves/ Come on everybody, one more time again," before you know it, the song turns into an infectious anthem, leaving in its wake a glimpse into her self-discovery that would go on to define the rest of the album.
Miss(ed) Opportunity
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 15/03/2020
» The rise of synth-pop darling Claire Boucher, aka Grimes, has been a fascinating one.
Small things considered
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 23/06/2019
» In much the same way that eyes are said to be the window to the soul, band names give us a glimpse into the collective personality lurking behind each group. And as far as Thai band names are concerned, they can range from prosaic (Solitude Is Bliss, My Life As Ali Thomas) and whimsical (Apartment Khunpa, Charblues, Gym and Swim) to absolutely outlandish (Big Ass, Calories Blah Blah). For Sakon Nakhon-based trio Junlaholaan, names represent a curious juxtaposition where two incongruous concepts (jun, micro, and holaan, enormous) coexist to convey a deeply philosophical message. Yes, we are but a tiny speck in the universe -- the band seems to be saying -- but at the same time, a butterfly in Brazil could also cause a tornado in Texas, couldn't it?
From his home base
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 22/09/2019
» It's not often that the success of an artist can be attributed to his/her talent alone. Without the full backing of a major label, most artists would struggle to get the sort of exposure required to bring them international recognition. Thai singer-songwriter Phum Viphurit, however, is an extraordinary exception. Signed to Bangkok's bona fide indie label Rats Records, the young singer-songwriter showed immense potential from the get-go with his 2014 English-language debut single Adore. Since then, he has delivered gem after gem, dealing in breezy folky rock perfect for a road trip to the seaside or a session around the campfire.
Sip on this
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 16/06/2019
» Born and raised in Spanish Town, just outside Kingston in Jamaica, Mikayla "Koffee" Simpson became known three years ago for her viral video in which she played her acoustic guitar and sang a dedication to Olympic legend Usain Bolt. Now, the 19-year-old newcomer has finally come through with her debut EP, the five-track Rapture helmed by a panel of stellar reggae producers Teflon ZincFence, Lasanna "Ace" Harris, Frankie Music and Walshy Fire.
Widescreen memories
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 20/01/2019
» Ever since I embarked on this music-criticism journey some five years ago, it's always been a personal mission of mine to be as diverse as possible when it comes to the albums I choose to review. While I'd like to think that mainstream and independent/left-field artists are equally given a chance to shine in this column, there's still a whole world of music out there that needs its due recognition. Which brings me to drummer-turned-piano virtuoso Eiko Ishibashi, a celebrated Japanese musician who, thanks to US-based label Drag City, is getting her releases outside of her native Japan.
Low's Highest Highs
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 30/09/2018
» Over the past two decades, not only have Minnesota's indie rockers Low carved out their own signature soundscape, they've also thrived in it. Their sound, largely existing in the slowcore territory, has a quiet way of sneaking up on the listener despite its surface minimalism. Now, after 11 fantastic albums under the collective belt, the threesome of Alan Sparhawk, Mimi Parker and Steve Garrington return with Double Negative, the band's 12th studio effort that also marks their 25th year in the business.
The art of being
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 14/10/2018
» Having ditched her successful career as a young start-up CEO to pursue music independently, Peeralada Sukawat, mononymously known as Pyra, has a lot to prove both to herself and to her family, who'd rather she took up a 9-to-5 job. "It's more about self-actualisation. I want to see something I expect of myself happen. The more people tell me I can't, the more I want to do it," she asserted in her 2016 interview with the Bangkok Post's now-defunct Saturday supplement Muse, wherein she talked candidly about depression and her frayed relationship with her mother. The piece further illuminates her self-produced debut EP Stray, a stunning release that, while deservedly vouched for by Apple Music Thailand, somehow failed to woo a local radio station because "they couldn't figure out what category I fell into".