Written by Zaim
The Malaysian indie music scene has always caught my attention due to the sheer uniqueness and style that it offers. Bands such as Hujan and Bunkface, who had broken through mainstream success owed their gratitude to the Malaysian indie scene. Although, in recent years, we see a surge in the rising of Malaysian indie bands in the scene that offers more than what is available in the mainstream. Rising bands such as Jaggfuzzbeats, which has to be one of my personal favourites, and The Fridays, offers a new take on the Malaysian music scene that I think does not get enough attention they deserve.
Here's a list of my top five Malaysian bands that you should definitely check out!
#5 Pitahati
I was introduced to Pitahati while I was on a five day trip in Kuala Lumpur back in 2016. Formed in 2011, and consists of five members, which three out of the five are siblings, Pitahati brings the Nusantara sound and fuses it with psychedelic rock influenced by bands such as Pink Floyd and Radiohead. Emphasising on experimentations, Pitahati brings Nusantara elements into their music, which is quite unique to those who are new to the Malaysian music scene. Their latest album, Selamat Datang Ke Panggung Suara, is an amalgamation of 60s psychedelic and ‘kopitiam music’. The fusion of psychedelic music and Malay Nusantara is done seamlessly, as if the two belong together. Songs such as ‘Abang Funky’, ‘Dari Minda Sa Orang Sutradara’, ‘Kedai Kopi 50 an’, would give me a flash of nostalgia when I first listened to the whole album, eventhough I have never heard of Pitahati at the time. The sound of Pitahati is so new but at the same time, quite familiar. The album itself is very straightforward, and does not linger around in each song. They often catch you off guard while you are enjoying the experience of listening to the album.
#4 The Golden Mammoth
Often referred to as Malaysia’s Tame Impala, The Golden Mammoth deals with self-expression through ironically, funky and danceable basslines. Considered to be the brainchild of the band, Syabil Alyahya -- The Golden Mammoth is an interesting take on the neo-psychedelic genre and experimentations of different sounds in one album. Their album, Metaphoric Quadraphonic can be described as a musical experience that transcends reality, space and time. The airy atmosphere of the album breathes a fresh new take on the Malaysian music scene. Reminiscent of Tame Impala’s Innerspeaker and Lonerism, Metaphoric Quadraphonic brings a different take on how an album can be produced. Songs such as Malicious Judicious, emphasises on the rhythm being played on the bass and synthesizers, with minimal guitar solos. The whole album shows the genius of one Syabil Alyahya in composing what sounds he wanted to include and where to include it. It does not maximize the use of every musical instruments, but uses them in a way that matches the message he wants to convey throughout the album. In other words, each sound plays a different role in conveying what he wants to emphasise in the album.
#3 Prasasti
Prasasti is a refreshing take on the Malaysian indie scene. The band strays away from recycling sounds, and instead focuses more on being original with how they write their music. Their self-titled album iis a new fresh take on the Malaysian indie circuit. It has rock elements, but they also do not stray far from their roots. Songs such as Kerana Bintang has to be one of the more fine examples when it comes to bringing an original fresh take to the scene. In a time where most indie bands want to sound like Hujan or Meet Uncle Hussain, Prasasti defines their sound as their own. The use of intense guitar riffs, coupled with fast drumming give out energy to the listener and have them beg for more.
#2 Lust
I first heard of Lust back in 2016 during a trip to Kuala Lumpur. A friend of mine recommended their CD when we were at a record store somewhere in Subang Jaya. I was immediately blown away when I first heard of the raw and grittiness of their EP, Chingichanga. I couldn’t help but to think of The Beatles during their White Album era, but more gritty, raw and fast paced. Songs such as Aberdeen St and Naga really caught me off guard, due to the raw use of guitar riffs repeating throughout the song, and the drums banging as if it pissed off the drummer beating it as hard as he can. The EP is a fresh take on Malaysian music, as it brings more energy and adrenaline to the listener’s ear.
#1 Pastel Lite
An electronic duo based in Kuala Lumpur, Pastel Lite combines the emotional vocals of Eff Hakim, against the backdrop of buzzing synths produced by Mohd Faliq. Touching on matters such as toxic relationships and the lamentations of complex social interactions, their latest album, Balada, takes on the conventional sound of what is known as Malaysian music, and flips it around to create a 38 minute experience. Songs such as ‘Sunny’, which consists of traditional elements such as the use of a sitar, and ‘Masa Kita’, which has a droning synth-bass sound in the background gives the album more edge and at the same time, a bright feeling of sunshine.
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