Rock Warrant

FBI, which stands for Fire Birds International, is a band with “one Gwailo and three Hong Kong guys”. Their debut eight-track EP It’s Man Love is about, er, man love. But not in a gay way, though you will see Cain squeezing Jerald’s bum on the CD cover. “The funny thing is a lot of times when you show affection to guys, even just in a friendly way, people say it is very gay. My friend Gary is the reason I wrote this song. He always annoys me and puts me down and give me all the reasons not to feel man love,” explains Cain. “But the thing is, the band had a great time during the i-Cable band competition. The band are my saviour! They are saving me from my boring life!” Cain raises his voice in the café where the interview is taking place. “I love you guys! Man love!” And to convey that message, Cain suggested that he grab bassist Jerald’s bum. “I said ‘Come on! Just a little!’ and when they took the picture I squeezed him real hard and he just jumped up,” the singer laughs. “But that is man love right there!”

The EP, which the band have been recording since February at Soler’s K-Town Studio, is produced by the duo’s drummer Peter Gorton. Five hundred copies will be printed, as the band sees the project more like a promotion to spread their name rather than to make money. The foursome have often been told that they sound like Red Hot Chili Peppers, though Cain cannot see it himself. He sees the band’s music as a mix of many genres. As three of the songs on the disc refer to the supernatural – The Masquerade, Haunted and Ghouls’n’Ghosts – the band chose to create a dark, gloomy feeling for the artwork design. Cain is thrilled to work with Gordon as a producer. “For example in Ghouls’n’Ghosts, he added a lot of computer sound which makes it sound very different from the usual FBI,” he says.

Song-wise, It’s Man Love offers a mix of simple and fast power punk, rock ballads, metal and more. While Loneliness is a lovely ballad guitarist Archvictor wrote for his girlfriend (it’s female fans’ favourite, according to Cain), the last track on the EP, Don’t Quit Your Day Job, is two minutes and 22 seconds of direct punk venting the singer’s determination to chase his dream – with some twisted humour. “My friend in Australia found out I am in a band and asked me not to sing like Eddie Vedder [vocalist of Pearl Jam]. He said everyone sings like him and I don’t have a good voice.” And that friend had not heard the band’s music at all. So, naturally, Cain wrote a song about that which opens with “Don’t try to sing like Eddie Vedder/You don’t have a good voice/You’re out of key/Don’t quit your day job/It is just a dream.” He later sent the song to his friend, who responded, “Oh maybe I should put you down more!”

But the climax comes, literally, with Got to Make Love. “I wanted the song to have an orgasm at the end. Originally I did it and obviously a guy doing it is not cool. I need a girl to do it.” He ended up inviting Chris B, vocalist of Guitars and Panties, to give him a hand. And how exactly are they going to play the song live? “This is an idea from my friend: after the EP is released and people have listened to this song, we can invite some female fans to do the orgasm…” And that should not be a problem – as according to Cain’s buddy, Asia’s World City has the most beautiful girls in the world…

FBI are Cain (vocals), Kam (guitar), Jerald (bassist) and Nice (drums). Catch them at their EP release party on October 24 at the Fringe Club. Guest bands are Audiotraffic and The David Bowie Knives. The gig starts at 10pm and tickets are $150 with a drink and the EP.

New Vision

It is difficult to associate the line-up of Beyond the Realms of Rock with local rock legend Wong Ka Kui but that is what the two shows are about, according to the curator, veteran music critic Wong Chi Chung. As part of the New Visions Arts Festival, the shows are a continuation of the tributes to Wong Ka Kui the curator made earlier in the year. But instead of a typical rock’n’roll homage, Wong is trying to fuse Ka Kui’s music with classical, traditional Chinese and new media artistes’ music. “I have talked to a lot of local musicians of different genres, and find many influenced by Beyond’s music,” says Wong. “Maybe their music style is different, but the spirit stays the same.” And that is why we will be seeing acts of very different genres – like the East-meets-West SIU2, percussion group Four Gig Heads, MC Yan and the Gospel DJs and Po and Lala (formed by video artist Christopher Lau and composer Samson Young) among others all appearing on the same stage.

Taiwanese indie newcomer OpenEye is also an act to watch. The five-piece have rocked the Taiwan scene with their smart, sharp and funny lyrics and a wide variety of sounds, from pop and jazz to traditional Hawaii and Japanese music. Wong communicated with the band via email before deciding to invite them to play. “We talked about our feelings for Ka Kui and I was quite moved by what they said,” the curator says. “It also moved me that they really want to play and don’t mind the rewards, as we are running on a tight budget.”

What will eventuate from all these artistes is still an unknown, but Wong says he is exploring the possibilities of the future of rock music (or what he calls ‘post post-rock music) and is not intent on providing clear answers. “I believe whatever the sound is like, the spirit is the same – that it is revolutionary. If we have an answer to what the future of music is like then it is no fun at all.”

The complete line-up of Beyond the Realms of Rock is Llunc, OpenEye, a Kai, Hon Him, MC Yan and Gospel DJs, Po and Lala, SIU2, ST, The Demo and Four Gig Heads. The two free shows will take place on October 25 and 26 at Sha Tin Town Hall Plaza at 5:30pm.

Five Favourites : Jenny Chow

Jenny Chow is the vocalist of local indie five-piece GriN. The band’s debut release Yi Ngok Jok Lok, which features 10 original tunes, is hitting the stores now.
All-time favourite album?
Maroon 5’s It Won’t be Soon Before Long. I appreciate their very melodic tunes and energetic music.
Favourite song in the new album?
Our killer tune, Yi Ngok Jok Lok. In Chinese it literally means to make happiness with music and to make music with happiness. That’s GriN’s all-time belief. And we want to bring joy to our audience.
Favourite local artist of all time?
Beyond. It’s because of their influence
that so many aspiring musicians today strive to become local indie band musicians in Hong Kong.
Favourite writer of all time?
William Shakespeare and Confucius. These were the big guys who wrote long-standing and well-established works. Their words are inspiring and full of wisdoms. And you don’t find them old fashion even if they are written hundreds years ago! 
What is your favourite film?
The School of Rock. The best rock band film ever, featuring the king of comedy Jack Black. The kids ROCK!
What is your favourite city?
Definitely Hong Kong. Our base is here and we’ve got everything here: family, friends, food, scenery, entertainment, love, joy and music!

GriN are Jenny (vocals), Hei and Vincent (guitar), Kenji (bass) and Wah (drums). The band will headline the Mini Live at Yo Park (B46-B48 Treasure World, Wonder Worlds of Whampoa, Hunghom) on October 17. Also on the bill are AMS, Tonick and Empty Tomb. The show starts at 7:30pm and tickets are $80 including one drink.

Sexy Back

The Underground is 69 only once, and they are going to sex it up big time. The notorious four-girl pop/punk band Guitars and Panties are staging a reunion so expect to see their signature black, green, red and pink panties – and you have to be there to see who wears what colour. Also playing are FBI, Gong Wu, Taiwanese four-piece New HK Hair City, and Desert, the ‘cruellest band in Guangzhou’. And after the main course Underground, an indie DJ will spin ‘sensual tracks’ and a surprise dance act will perform on the night. See how far this 69 encounter goes on October 17 at Club Cixi. The gig starts at 9pm and entry is $100.

High Aussie

Glasgow-born 52-year-old Australian rocker Jimmy Barnes is best known for being the lead vocalist in rock effort Cold Chisel as well as for a prodigious solo act since his career began in the ’70s. Barnes will play for one night only at Café Deco, where 9th State will be opening and closing for the night. Door opens at 7pm, but expect to catch Barnes around 9pm. Tickets are $720 from HK Ticketing, 31 288 288. This includes two drinks and snacks all night.

Double Shot

Beijing post-punk rockers Hedgehog return to the SAR with the dark and mysterious trio Re-TROS. Hedgehog’s 12-year-old look-alike vocals/drummer Atom may be the band’s greatest attraction (though it may be a bit difficult to see her behind the drum kit) but their explosive and catchy noise pop sound is very infectious. As for Re-TROS – what more can one say than that Brian Eno played guest keyboards for their debut EP Cut Off!? No kidding – the legendary producer met the trio by chance in a studio during his visit to Beijing in 2005 and synthesized three songs for them. Heavily influenced by ’70’s post-punk, the band have recently finished recording a new album and, if you have not yet heard their music, make sure you do now. The double-bill plays on October 25 at Grappa’s Cellar (Basement, Jardine House, Central, 2591 0499). Tickets are $220 from Grappa’s Cellar and White Noise Records. A concert plus dinner set will cost $370.

Soler Return
The best-looking rock duo is back – Soler will be returning to La Dynastie Theatre (102, Cyberport Arcade, Cyberport, 2989 9338) on October 17 with their All About Live – Rock with Us one-night-only gig. The show starts at 9pm and a standing ticket will cost $290 while a seat costs $350. Call 2989 9338 for bookings. The brothers will stage their Free to Rock concerts on November 23 and 24 at HITEC Star Hall. Tickets are $380 and $180 from HK Ticketing, 31 288 288.

Cello Pleasure
Artistic director of the Hong Kong International Cello Association, Letty Poon will be staging a cello recital accompanied by pianists Kam Wing-chong and Wendy Leung. The programme for the night is Toccata for Cello and Piano by Frescobaldi/Cassado, Sonata for Cello and Piano in C major, Op 119 by Prokofiev, Arpeggione Sonata in A minor, D821 by Schubert and two Chinese pieces, Remembrance and Dances of the Tuchia Tribe, written by local composer Lui Ki-Ling. The concert will commence at 8pm at the HK City Hall Concert Hall. Tickets priced at $180 and $120 are now available from URBTIX, 2734 9009.

Winner Takes All
Make sure you come to support our local indie force for the China final of the Global Battle of the Bands. Hong Kong winner Killer Soap will be competing with Shenzhen winner Bolt Action and their Shanghai counterpart The Dovetail Joints. The China final will take place on October 25 at The Cavern, with a special guest band performing. Entry is $100 including a Heineken beer. And the reggae/ska-meets-rock four-piece The Dovetail Joints just cannot wait to move Hong Kong – on October 24 they will be playing a free gig at The Wanch, which kicks off at 9:30pm.

Dirty Sound
Get a mix of everything in Play That Shit when Juicy Ning, Life in Motion, Bone Table, TS and Moon and Friends play at N Net Music (Room 310, Century Centre, 44-46 Hung To Road, Kwan Tong, 9756 8994) on October 18. The show starts at 8pm and tickets are $80 at door or $75 if you call in advance.

U-Sound finale
The finale of the Joint University Bandshow 08 is taking place at YO Park on October 25. The line-up includes elite bands from the eight universities as well as guest bands Audio Traffic, Empty Tomb and Eccentric. The gig kicks off at 6pm and advance tickets are $60 from Zoo Records and White Noise Records, or email juba08@gmail.com for enquiries. Walk-in tickets cost $70, both prices include a drink.

Metal Double
Mind Your Head are back with some full-power rock, having taken a short break after their third anniversary event back in July. They are bringing in Australian metal five-piece Truth Corroded and Singaporean melodic death band Bhelliom for Full Battle Order. Local supporting bands will be Evocation and Laubak. Go head banging on October 25 at Youth Outreach’s Hang-Out (1/F, 2 Holy Cross Path, Sai Wan Ho). The gig starts at 7:30pm and advance tickets are $100 from Zoo Records, White Noise Records and Metal Warehouse (www.metal-warehouse.com) or $150 at the door.

Friday Jazz
Friday Fest’ continues at Island East every Friday until the end of November. On October 24, Kayoko Haruta plays Japanese be-bop jazz with friends while Australian vocalist Heidi Krenn and her quartet improvise on some all-time jazz classics. The shows start at 6pm at Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Place. Entry is free.

Drum Control
Jimmy DeGrasso has played with rock greats like Alice Copper and Ozzy Osbourne, and is also well remembered as a member of the multi-platinum selling Megadeth. He joined industrial metal machine band Ministry this year, but this time he is going solo at the Jimmy DeGrasso Clinic Tour Hong Kong. Check out the drummer’s sounds on October 25 at HITEC Auditorium. The show starts at 8pm and tickets are $100 from HK Ticketing, 31 288 288.

Coming Up
HITEC Star Hall has a busy programme this November. Taiwanese singer-songwriter Cheer Chen will play her first major concerts on November 1 and 2. Tickets are $600, $400 and $200. Cantopop singer William So returns with the William So I Sing 08 Concert running from November 14 to 16, where tickets are priced at $450, $250 and $150. Japanese visual rocker Luna Sea’s guitarist Inoran will stage his solo show Butterfly Effect on November 21. Tickets are $680, $380 and $200. Wales’ best export Manic Street Preachers will play at the same venue on November 26. Tickets are $680 and $480 from the same outlet. On the other side of the harbour, at17 will be joined by 77-year-old diva Rebecca Poon for their Jazz Up for the Party concerts from December 4-6 at HKAPA Drama Theatre. Tickets priced at $400 will be on sale via HK Ticketing from October 27.

Lady Violin
Japanese violinist Sayaka Shoji, the youngest-ever winner of the Paganini Competition, will team up with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta for a concert titled Sayaka Shoji Plays Prokofiev. She will perform Prokofiev’s famous Violin Concert No 1 on a 1715 Stradivarius Joachim in a programme that also includes Elgar’s Serenade, Britten’s Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge and Three Dance Episodes from Bernstein’s musical comedy On the Town, which will serve as a tribute to the composer on the 90th anniversary of his birth. The concert on October 24 will commence at 8pm at the HK City Hall Concert Hall. Tickets are $280, $160 and $120 from URBTIX, 2734 9009.