Showing 1 - 10 of 13
Hip-hop's fresh, new voice
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 26/01/2020
» The first time Thailand was bitten by the rap/hip-hop bug was way back in the mid-90s, when the then unknown Joey Boy introduced the sound and singlehandedly dominated the genre with a slew of hits ranging from Fun, Fun, Fun to Samakom Ta Chan Diew and Loy Talay. Despite being a playful, largely pop-oriented rapper, there's no denying that he was the one who paved the way for daring trailblazers like Fukking Hero, Buddha Bless and Thaitanium.
Fight The Fear
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 01/09/2019
» In his 1818 poem When I Have Fears, English Romantic poet John Keats talks about death anxiety, touching upon all of the things he wouldn't be able to achieve and/or experience before his demise. This universal fear has continued to resonate today, especially in the age where fear of missing out is constantly triggered by social media and unrelenting hyperconnectivity. The poem, too, has struck a chord with rising Dublin five-piece The Murder Capital and gone on to inspire their eponymous debut studio album rooted firmly in art-rock and post-punk traditions.
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?
More play, please
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 21/10/2018
» While a compilation of cover songs is not an earth-shattering concept by any stretch of the imagination, a good one does have the power to bridge the gap between eras and connect/re-connect generations of artists as well as listeners. Conceived in 2009 by the Thai media conglomerate GMM Grammy to celebrate its 25th anniversary, Play Project gave rock-leaning artists a chance to cover their favourite tunes in their own playful style. Its first edition saw the likes of Bodyslam, Potato, Clash and Paradox reinterpreting a range of Thai pop classics including Bird Thongchai's Sia Dai, Mai Charoenpura's Sia Jai Dai Yin Mai and Nantida Kaewbuasai's Lakorn Chaak Sud Tai.
Coming Ashore
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 10/06/2018
» In his third studio record, the Thai troubadour pushes beyond his surf-pop territory without losing his trademark chill
Eastern Persuasion
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 01/04/2018
» Habibi/ Cardamom Garden EP
Shopping For Change
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 18/02/2018
» Shopping/ The Official Body
TOP 20 singles of 2017
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 24/12/2017
» Congratulations! You've made it to through the year, a rather challenging one characterised by a series of unfortunate events from the rise of the Alt-Right and the Weinstein scandal to devastating hurricanes and sights of starving polar bears. We've also lost a handful of musicians along the way -- Soundgarden's Chris Cornell, Linkin Park's Chester Bennington and Tom Petty, to name but a few. Thankfully, those who are still alive and kicking have served up some of the most memorable tunes we've had the pleasure of hearing this year. Handpicked from our Playlists over the last 12 months, here are the top 20 singles that have defined the year that was. This week we're counting down from 20 up to 11 and the rest will be revealed next week. Before we close up the shop, let's once again pat ourselves on the back for this year was no child's play by any standards. May you have strength and courage to wade through Donald Trump's tweets and Prayut Chan-o-cha's tantrums in the coming year.
Coming Ashore
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 23/04/2017
» On their latest EP, the post-rock quintet pick up where they left off two years ago, offering a new roster of grand-sounding, cathartic instrumentals