Showing 1 - 10 of 11
A pop renaissance
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 14/06/2020
» If Madonna's long, illustrious career has taught us mortals anything, it's that a pop chameleon makes the best kind of pop music.
Top 25 singles of 2019 (Part I)
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 22/12/2019
» As promised last week, we've gone back through the 200 or so singles we reviewed over the past 12 months, narrowing them down to our favourite 25. But before we get on with the first part of the list, here's what we learned in 2019.
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?
In for the kill
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 28/04/2019
» From debuting on CBS's The Late Show With Stephen Colbert to being the first K-pop group to perform at this year's Coachella, BLACKPINK are unstoppable in their quest for global pop domination, which is the ultimate goal that lies at the heart of South Korea's ongoing cultural export scheme. Like their label mates Big Bang and 2NE1, the Seoul-based quartet is meticulously designed by industry behemoth YG Entertainment. But what really sets BLACKPINK apart from their peers is their collective cosmopolitan edge -- Jisoo representing Korea, Lisa bringing the spicy Thai flavours and New Zealand-born, Australia-raised Rosé and New Zealand-raised Jennie completing the picture with their multicultural upbringing. Singing and rapping in Korean, Japanese and English, they're probably the first all-female idol group to have amassed an army of fans, endearingly known as "blinks", not only from Asia, but also North America and elsewhere, in just a few years.
Anthems for the end of the world
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 24/03/2019
» If you happen to recall the indie explosion that came and went during the mid-noughties, you're most likely to recall how UK math-rockers Foals were perched right on the forefront alongside the now-nowhere-to-be-found groups like Kasabian, Hard-Fi and Maxïmo Park. Although not the first band to come up with it, they're largely responsible for spreading the gospel of that intricate, tightly-wound guitar work that's gone on to more or less define the genre. Over time, the Foals' signature hectic romp that was the backbone of their 2008 landmark debut, Antidotes, has transformed into something a little more polished and more mature. Subtle sonic shifts can already be detected on their second LP, Total Life Forever (how much of a revelation is Spanish Sahara?), and even more so on the subsequent records, the unabashedly potent Holy Fire and What Went Down.
No rest for the wicked
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 13/01/2019
» Just when you thought shed put Rest to rest, the internationally renowned French chanteuse comes back strong with a five-track EP that brilliantly complements it
When good intentions backfire
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 06/01/2019
» "Sometimes/ It falls upon a generation/ To be great/ I ask all humanity now/ To rise up/ Then we can all stand/ With our heads/ Held high," begins the Chris Martin-curated Global Citizen EP 1 with opener Rise Up featuring an excerpt from Nelson Mandela's now-iconic "Make Poverty History" speech. It's an apt start given the wholesome intentions of this EP, although it feels slightly jarring to hear one of the world's greatest speeches getting paired with the euphoric synths supplied here by the Norwegian production behemoth Stargate. The song is clearly engineered for a stadium/festival setting, so casual listening might not be the best way to approach what would otherwise be a stirring anthem.
Feeling all right
B Magazine, Parisa Pichitmarn, Published on 26/08/2018
» There is a stillness -- borderline boring -- to Scrubb's chosen mode of visual expression. The constant of stony faces and stock-still poses that embellishes all of the band's album artwork, editorial photo shoots and magazine covers is bequeathed on us too, as Torpong "Ball" Chantabubpha and Thawatpon "Muay" Wongboonsiri laugh through gritted teeth that it is actually a strain for them to smile for the cameras or to assume the role of a dancing monkey.
Marriage at any price
B Magazine, Andrew Biggs, Published on 29/07/2018
» My heart goes out to the jilted bride who made the news this week, left standing in her wedding dress in front of a crowd of well-wishers, having to explain that her future significant other had chosen insignificance.
Drenchedin love
B Magazine, Duangkamol Panya, Published on 17/06/2018
» Of the many things South Korea is famous for, its TV dramas rank high up on the list. We're talking about the combination of intense and addictive storylines, the distinctive production style, catchy soundtracks and -- let's not forget -- plenty of ridiculously good-looking and talented stars capable of stealing viewers' hearts with just a glance.