In this new series, we showcase the best local musicians and bands in Singapore who are shaping the Singapore Sound. This week, we present the genre-bending theatrics of sub:shaman
With the power to transcend manuscripts and WAV files, music is undeniably geographical. It can bring to mind deep-seeded associations with cities and countries within which it was fostered – take UK garage, or Jamaican reggae, or American blues, for instance. But what about our lil’ red dot? What is the Singapore sound? In this new series, we shine the spotlight on a Singaporean music act of the week – from fledgling singer-songwriters to veteran bands, and even DJs-turned-producers who’ve all become audial ambassadors of our shores.
For our debut edition of the Singapore Sound, we turn your attention to this genre-bending quintet, sub:shaman. Essentially a supergroup of sorts – its members hail from other iconic local acts such as .gif, Pleasantry, Spacedays, Paris In The Making, and blankverse – these sonic shape-shifters have just unveiled the lead single of their debut album, Apnea, and it’s unabashedly called “A-Hole”.
When sub:shaman first burst onto the scene in 2014, they put out a debut EP called Outsider that teased a campy concept revolving around film-noir sensibilities, with a motley mish-mash of sounds that made them one of the most thrilling acts to check out. Likewise, “A-Hole” is a maelstrom of its own – from its opening 7/4 rhythm that math-rock devotees would dig, to its wailing guitars and rambunctious drumwork that could very well incite a mosh, and even a transfixing, back-and-forth duet between vocalists Chew Wei Shan (aka Weish) and Isa Ong. Overall, “A-Hole” is a track that’s brooding, belligerent, and a big gesture that sub:shaman is back to shake up the scene once again.
And if you thought the single was a mind-melter, just check out its accompanying music video above that straddles the line between dreams and reality.
For more information on sub:shaman, check out their official website. They’ll be having a launch party for their debut album, Apnea, on 13 May at The Esplanade Annexe Studio; tickets are available here. Also for essential listening: “Sleuth”, and “Harlot”.
And if you want more homegrown tunage, discover these new local musicians in Singapore that we’ve rounded up. Otherwise, check out these best concerts in May if you just want your live music fix.