When it comes to variety in music, Singapore does not disappoint. We've got quite a diverse and eclectic mix of music in our own city, covering all sorts of genres from the stoner doom metal to feel-good pop tunes with some bops. Take your pick!
While it may not have been a strong year for full length albums in the local music sphere, there are some worthy gems that we put on spin for quite a bit this year. Best part? You don't have to be searching far and wide for some of the best releases this year – here's what we have from our own backyard.
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Album: Check-Hook
If the aim was to depart from the moody-mellow singer-songwriter trope, Charlie Lim has succeeded. Straddling the genres of neo-soul, electronica, pop and R&B without forgetting his roots in all things melancholy, Check-Hook is a unique and fresh-sounding album that charts Charlie's progress as a musician. As a visual treat, Charlie has released a couple of music videos to to accompany the tracks.
Tracks to listen: Zero-Sum, Premonition
Album: Telltale Signs
If you're looking for Singaporean indie pop. Sobs is it for you. There's a hint of nostalgia in every sticky hook and dreamy guitar sweep that would sit well with most. The lead vocals are also reminiscent of feel-good pop of the 80s. But don't be fooled by the sparkly happy bops on the album, at its core these pop songs pack some depth, and darkness.
Tracks to listen: Telltale Signs, All Poison
Album: Late To The Party
Emo-math trio Xingfoo & Roy's live performances are just how and why people love their music. Chaotic, fun and definitely singalong-able, they've brought on a much more polished sound to this LP after releasing a couple of EPs over the years.
Tracks to listen: In Another Castle, Your Princess Is...
Album: Till Marijannah
Looking for a stoner-doom metal band? Singapore's got that covered as well. Somewhat a supergroup of sorts with two members from grindcore band Wormrot, and the other two from Caulfield Cult and Abolition A.D, they've banded together to put out their brand of music that is hypnotic, mesmerizing and pulverizing. Get on the doom metal bandwagon now.
Tracks to listen to: Snake Charmer
Album: Dive Into
More dreampop and shoegaze music come through with Subsonic Eye and their second album, Dive Into. Building from their shoegaze-y foundations, the sophomore album is more polished and curated sonically – the band is said to have made a conscious effort to sound more different from their previous releases – but still retains that ethereal and dreamy vibe that we love them for.
Tracks to listen to: Last Day, Dive Into Me
Album: Ikhlas
Meaning 'sincere' or 'genuine' in Malay, Ikhlas is a homage to Malaysian music – Malaysia being a fond place for Singapore producer Fauxe who lived there for eight whole months. Sampling everything from old Malay classics, Hokkien songs, Tamil music, film dialogue and then elevating it with his touch of disco, electronic and hip-hop, every track on the album is a standout. Creative, eclectic and heartfelt, Ikhlas is the ultimate passion project.
Tracks to listen: Ondeh-Ondeh, Kampong
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