Indie Rock Rocks My Batu

Today, I shall do recommendations.

Now, everybody has a favourite genre of music. For Nas, it's anything. For Zat, it's whatever. But for me, it's indie rock. The tunes and the rhythm can galvanise me into accomplashing anything, even make it past the forcefield around Zat's house. And mainly, the romantic idealism behind a band attempting to produce music on their own, rather than letting their sound get butchered by a major-label producer, appeals so greatly to me. I know what matters is whether the end product sounds good or not, and I assure you, more often than not, it sounds really good.

Let's start with the Brits

From West Yorkshire, I present to you the family band, The Cribs. Now the last family band we know of is Hanson, so I understand if you're quite apprehensive. The Cribs, however are a set of twins and their younger brother, who have nice, short hair, and an even nicer-sounding sound. And in this video, there's also a set of twins that you're supposed to see but don't get to. Watch, and you'll know what I mean.

Men's Needs by The Cribs


From London, I present to you the band with arguably the best vocalist I have ever come across, Kele Okereke. They're called Bloc Party. It's a good band name, since they went through a series of very stupid names like Superheroes Of BMX and Diet before they settles on Bloc Party. Their sound is what I term "Guitar-driven dreamscapes", almost like Explosions In The Sky, only with lyrics. You'll see.

So Here We Are by Bloc Party


I want to introduce two bands from Liverpool, something the city can be a lot more proud of than their two English Premier League teams. First up are The Zutons. You know how Yellowcard has a violinist? Well, the Zutons have a sax player (who also lends her vocals in some songs), Abi Harding. Her trademark? She always performs barefoot. No joke. So during a Zutons concert, if you smell feet, you know whose it is.

The greatest thing about the Zutons is that all their videos are light-hearted and fun.

Why Won't You Give Me Your Love - The Zutons


The other set of Liverpudlians are The Wombats. They formed when they met while studying at the Liverpool Institute For Performing Arts, and have performed in China, something indie record labels don't tend to support. But if you listen to their single Let's Dance To Joy Division, you'll see why. "So let the love tear us apart, I've found the cure for a broken heart" wheeeee.

Let's Dance To Joy Division by The Wombats


Okay across the Atlantic, from Canada, there's Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene (whose concert I am going for, thank you very much). Arcade Fire practically put Canada on the globe through its music. Well, actually Canada being there put it on the globe, but you know what I mean. This is the ultimate feeling song. You'll see in the video. Muka semua tak maintain.

Wake Up by Arcade Fire


Broken Social Scene is really more of a social scene than a band. They currently have nineteen members. Yes, nineteen. Fifteen short of 20. They're coming to Singapore in March and I'll be there. Not jealous yet? You will be...

7/4 (Shoreline) by Broken Social Scene


South of Canada, we have the indie rock sound of America, the descendants of the Alternative Nation movement. From Washington, we have America at probably its most indie: Death Cab For Cutie. These guys have been around for so long, staying true to their own brand of DIY music. In this video, Death Cab epitomises the very spirit of indie: poetry, connection and the intimate humanity of music.

Soul Meets Body by Death Cab For Cutie


So listen to these sounds guys. I think it is the most beautiful in this world. Next to Nazir's singing voice.