Monday lunch hour in the senior common room of Sha Tin College may not seem the time or place for a band interview. But it has to do – the musicians of Exit on Twelve are still all at school.

iConversation with the two founding members, Clarence Ng (lead vocals) and Alden Beckett (guitar, vocals), is relaxed, if noisy. They started the band in 2004 as EMP, together with Victor Yi (guitar), Rob Valentine (bass) and Aaron Wong (drums). But this year Ciosa Houlihan and Charles Yang replaced Rob and Aaron which, according to Alden, was a “turning point” and called for a new name. Now musically stronger than ever and with a dedicated and increasing fan base, Exit On Twelve are only just beginning to show what they’re capable of.

From the beginning they were known for catchy originals and powerful performances. “They’ve got more balls on stage,” says Stephen, a friend and fan. “They always get the crowd really going.” Which comes from a curious mix of frenzied energy and intense collective focus. “Personally I’m not aware of the audience so much. I mean, obviously if I look out I see them having a good time – but I have a better time,” states Alden. “We’ve got to the point where we can have a show with 10 people and still have a good time.”

The band’s Myspace page facetiously describes their sound as “flowers and ladybugs”, but perhaps that contains a grain of truth. They may bow to hardcore influences from local bands, but are more melodic, almost acoustic at times. They’ve been compared to the likes of Funeral For A Friend, Underoath and the Lost Prophets and their music strays significantly from the excessive angst and explicit noise of many aspiring hardcore groups. Instead, Exit On Twelve keep things interesting with a distinctive sound they attribute to individual member’s personal influences. “When we come together our different styles are pushed through,” says Clarence. “Every song you hear has a little of each of us in it.” Sophisticated in tone and mood, the music is harmonious but not lacking in energy, reflective but also powerful, even epic.

Which may sound astonishing for a bunch of 17 and 18-year-olds. Yet Exit On Twelve already have an impressive résumé of notable shows, in particular the Live Life No Rules Festival. Selected last year as one of the strongest Hong Kong bands, they performed alongside other well-known groups such as Qiu Hong and King Ly Chee. And they made it through again this year, with the added treat onstage of international guests like Buddhistson from Japan and From This Day (USA).
And, not surprisingly, an EP is in the works. “We’ve already got nine songs recorded… it’s more like a sub-album,” says Alden. To be released in January, the debut will undoubtedly include the song Untitled, now a sing-along synonymous with the band. Written by Clarence, the lyrics offer some insight into their song crafting.

I’m stuck with a half-broken smile/ Me and you are half a mile apart/ From what I thought you think I’m lies/ From what you thought I think I’m lies/ You’ll be screaming/ I’ll be screaming/ We’ll be fighting all night tonight

Yet the lyricist finds it hard to elaborate. “I don’t want to talk about it,” he laughs. “It’s very personal, very straightforward. It’s just about someone… and that’s all I’m going to say,” he grins and closes the subject.

So Alden interjects, “I write about anything. If there’s something that’s bothering us, if there’s something we want to talk about or want people to hear, that’s what we write.” Both agree, though, that life in Hong Kong is a major source of inspiration. Yet they seldom schedule sit-down-together sessions or follow criteria. Alden offers an example: “Sometimes Victor and I will think of an idea for a song and we’ll say, ‘Let’s finish it off sometime’ – and then he’ll go home and write the whole song and I’ll be like, ‘Wow, it’s so good!’ and I don’t change anything about it.”

But even with their growing experience and success, the band don’t deny the obstacles. “University,” Clarence and Alden echo. And “Trying to stick together.” That’s not to say they don’t have future plans. “We’re all going to London, so basically we’re going to transfer the band to the UK. Hopefully we’ll conquer Britain,” jokes Clarence. In the meantime, though, they concern themselves with what they know they can do, and do best. “We just hope people can come away from a show and say, ‘That was a really good experience.’ If you can give someone a memory, you’ve achieved something.”
www.exitontwelve.com
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