I stumbled upon on doing this article when one Indonesian friend of mine asked me one ultimate question, “apa sudah jadi sama muzik rock di Malaysia?”. Being a fan of rock music myself, at that particular time, I was utterly out of words. How am I supposed to answer this guy’s question? He said that during his school days, Malaysia’s rock music was a phenomenon. He also mentioned bands like Search, Iklim, Wings, Bloodshed, Ella & the Boys and claimed that the last time he heard of Malaysia’s rock music was in 2001 when Exist made a comeback with the album, “Ada” featuring hits like “Jesnita”, “Julia”, and other Malay girls’ name.
So with that question in mind, I decided to make a collective of some of today’s bands that I hope can bring back the era left by our rock papas, and change the face of Malaysia’s rock music.
1. Kyoto Protocol.
A 5-piece rock band hailing from Kuala Lumpur. Started playing local bars in 2008. They became the first runner-up for TV programme; Versus and just released their full-length album entitled “Catch These Men”.
2. Oh Chentaku.
Formed by Myo, Naem, and Adib back in 2007 and later joined by Amber, Wawa, Jack, and Jimmy. The band released their 3rd full-length album entitled “Younghearts” last year and recently just finished their “Kembara Kenchana” tour.
3.Akim and The Majistret.
A project band formed by Akim, the second runner-up for a TV programme; Akademi Fantasia 7. They will come out with a debut album this August entitled, “Patriot” featuring hits like “Mewangi”, and “Potret”.
4. MOJO.
A synth-rock outfit founded by 1/3 of Malaysia’s hip-hop pioneers; KRU, Edry Abd Halim. Together with Ryan Brakhma, Denny, and Johar (ex-Tilu), MOJO released their debut album entitled “Nada” after claimed the Anugerah Persembahan Terbaik at the Anugerah Juara Lagu early this year.
5. Pitahati
A 5-piece experimental rock outfit formed by the sons of Award-winning composer/singer, M. Nasir. Broke through the scene with the song, “Bintang Biru Kristal Salju”, the band released their debut album entitled “Fonetik Anak Candal” together with a tour. The band is now on the road for another tour called, “Merantau Sang Nusa”. Their song, “Sahabat” is also chosen to be the soundtrack for the Best Film at ASEAN International Film Festival 2015, “Terbaik Dari Langit”.
Feel free to use the comment box below and tell us if we’re missing out any bands that you think should be on the list!
