@morrisseysnemesis / morrisseysnemesis.tumblr.com
28 Feb 2023, what a night. Making their debut for their Asia tour in Singapore on 28 Feb, the Monkeys had their Southeast Asian fans thirsting for their performance for well, decades. Finally having an Asia tour for their newest release “The Car,” many fans here have been anticipating their presence on our tropical shoreline for a good while. The energy before the show was intense. Even though…
Happy Valentine’s day to all the singles that attended Phoebe Bridgers’ show on 14 Feb 2023. I was one of them, but I didn’t feel so alone. The singer-songwriter had sold out her 15 Feb show but when she released tickets for a second one for Valentine’s day, I felt like it was small little sign to bring myself out on date. Held at the Esplanade theatre, it was a seated show which relieved me a…
On My Loop: Snail Mail – Headlock
I remember saying in that in between emails that I would be writing the spare thoughts that I had about whatever music was listening to at the time or was moved by. Boy, did I underestimate my motivation to do so. Feeling mentally and physically drained at the end of each day is so recurring that it’s just the norm to me now. I used to listen to music and think about how I could describe the…
On My Loop: Black Midi – bmbmbm
At this point of my life, I’m honestly just going through the motions and there’s a hollowness in my brain that’s being carved deeper since ambition and desire should no longer occupy the space. I’ve done a pretty good job of attempting to continuously be content with whatever comes my way and I really have no reason to be dissatisfied. Yet, I’m concerned with my own arc of self-development (like…
Phoebe Bridgers – Punisher
I’m employed, cue Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now By The Smiths. I joke, the job’s great and I think something that I’ve been looking for without even realising it. I know it looks like I’ve set my sights on becoming some sort of online music writer by looks of the of the content I’ve produced so far. But since starting this job as a research officer (I’m a a glorified secretary let’s face it),…
I’m a big fan of Interpol and have always been inclined to check out their solo work or other work outside of the band. Lead siner Paul Banks has had a hand in various projects and some of them were, interesting to say the least (a collaboration with Wu Tang member? Sure why not). But they never were able to stand up to the…
The pandemic is still ever-present and I am still ever-anxious about a myriad of things, unemployment, the fate of the world etc.. I’ve been actively trying to get out of my head and the bleak things my mind holds on to, and much like any other person, music usually helps as well as a personal project.
I’ve been late to the party…
I’m feeling disconnected, detached and helpless. I’ve been at home trying to come to terms with the devastating after-effects this pandemic might have on everyone. Each time the thought enters my mind of the hunger, pain and fear everyone but me might face, I become overwhelmed. I’m extremely thankful to be in the position that I am, merely looking for work instead of my next meal. I do my best…
I am currently unemployed after graduating university in July. This special situation of mine has kind of allowed to me to read my past posts with a different sort of sentiment. I no longer feel as safe or as sheltered as I did when I wrote these posts. Without the safety net of school, I’m beginning to see myself as inadequate and lacking in skill. As much as I flinch at the thought of how I was…
Sobs launched their new album Telltale Signs on Saturday, 30 June. The indie alternative band has been making waves with their EP, Catflap. With songs like ‘Girl’ and the song the EP was named after, Catflap’ these melodic indie pop tunes are just irresistibly catchy – which made their full-length album all the more anticipated. Fans have just been longing for more of the magical songs these…
Fronted by Michelle Zauner, this little indie rock outfit managed to inch bit by bit into my heart with her Soft Sounds from Another Planet. The album was initially a nice accompaniment while I placed my focus on my other work since its “soft sounds” were just a nice touch of calm that didn’t distract me too much. But Zauner has a knack for making songs that were a tug on the heartstrings with…
There were some bumps along the Laneway road, but it was stellar ride nonetheless.
I’m loser with no friends so I had to plough through the hipster fest alone but I have absolutely zero regrets. However, I only attended half the festival and entered the grounds at 5pm. There was no re-entry and I didn’t feel like wallowing by myself for a full day. Plus, I didn’t want to throw my money down the drain by paying for overpriced food which could instead pay for a week’s worth of lunch at least. Even though I only attended half the festival, I left with a full heart (yes, this is a cringe-inducing sentence).
I was there when Laneway alumni The Internet started their set to a very eager audience who were happy to welcome back the band. I was kind of indifferent to their return and was honestly just patiently waiting for Mac Demarco’s set to start. But band members Syd and Steve Lacy are enjoying some sort of rising influence and you can hear the enthusiasm from the crowd. They were extremely excited for Steve Lacy so much so that I was wrapped up in the energy (which was mostly made of attraction for Steve). While I was bopping my head along to The Internet, away from the stage waiting for Mac Demarco, I realised that The Internet might just continue to rise in popularity if this alluring charm of theirs manages to captivate an even bigger audience.
Another returning Laneway alum is Mac Demarco, who is probably the prince of the indie scene but being trapped amongst his fans was tormenting (and I’m one of those fans). I’m fine with a couple of people shoving me to get to the front as long as they’re aware that they are horizontally challenged. I got shoved by so many huge titans and they all blocked my view of the pepperoni playboy (which made me pissed). God bless Mac Demarco for his music because it was the only thing that made me forget about how I’m sandwiched between jerks chanting “USA” out of nowhere. Chamber of Reflect on your festival etiquette please.
Shout out to Andy who sang “Under The Bridge” out of key but his candid rendition still makes me laugh and brings me joy because I relate to not having a partner.
One of the harder bands on the line-up, Wolf Alice, definitely brought it. Ellie Roswell, the lead singer of the alternative rock band was at that moment, the epitome of female empowerment. She looked so elegant in her white dress and neatly tucked blonde hair but the girl could shred on her guitar while delivering some impressively fierce vocals. She balances the line of femininity and ferocity with such effortlessness that just leaves me absolutely envious. As much as I love this band I hit a low point during their set when they were performing one the fan favourites “Bros”. Ellie told the crowd to dance along with their best friend and since I am a lonely loser, had nobody to dance with (oh the woe that is me). I had to just constantly tell myself that I am an independent mofo that doesn’t need anybody while internally crying and screaming. I just had to yell my unwanted emotions out as I sang along to their song “Space & Time” (which is a banger btw).
Slowdive legitimately had me in a hypnotic state that I don’t remember much except the inner feeling of calm and ecstasy. Also a girl yelling “IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL I COULD CRY” which sounds extreme but I share her sentiments.
The highlight of the night was hands down the man who just oozes charisma and confidence, Anderson. Paak. Like paak me, I love this man. His stage presence is truly divine. Hearing and watching him perform with a million dollar smile was like catching a glimpse of paradise (despite being drowned by sweaty young adults). The man got me to get low during “Lite Weight” which basically meant doing squats for 5 minutes and I willingly obliged despite being averse to exercise – that’s how much this man has me wrapped around his little pinkie. And it wasn’t just me, he had the whole crowd bewitched. It was an unforgettable atmosphere that was thirst-inducing (not just for water, but also for Breezy Lovejoy). One qualm I did have was the technical difficulties his set endured, forcing the already aggravated crowd to wait another 20 minutes. I had to breathe in the musky air of the people around me and listen to them chit chat arrogantly about their superior music taste (me heaving a big sigh right around here). But would I wait an eternity for this Anderson. Paak? Yes Lawd!
Anderson isn’t the only one who possesses a magnetic stage presence because Father John Misty, or Josh Tillman, has a way about him that you just gravitate towards. Mr Tillman has a lot to say about the glaring flaws of humanity (which I think sometimes just goes over a lot of listeners’ heads) but masterfully constructs his beliefs into songs that are memorable and substantial. You can look at his music as somewhat preachy, but he sways you with his melodies and cleverly written lyrics that is brimming with playful wit. It’s hard to knock Father John Misty especially after he delivers a fervent performance that just shows he belongs on the stage. I regret not being closer to the stage to soak up his spirited energy because I talked to a stranger in an attempt to make friends, but I don’t think she liked Father John Misty (she ditched me when she left to “go to the bathroom” but I was secretly relieved to be by my lonesome again).
I stayed around for Bonobo and The War on Drugs knowing that these two were kind of the stars of the whole line-up. But look, I’m neutral on these two musicians. I don’t hate them, but I don’t love them either. It’s possible that I might come to be more interested in both of them but for the time being, I’m okay with sitting down and watching them on the screen.
Like Anderson, Bonobo also suffered from technical difficulties (like Laneway, get your shit together because I did not pay good money only hear problems with your sound system). It’s especially frustrating with Bonobo as his sound is recognised for being more polished or refined. It’s what makes his music more prominent than his (I want to say electronica?) counterparts. What made even more disappointing was that his vocalist’s mic had some issues as well and her voice couldn’t shine through (use my money to fix this Laneway). But the silver lining was that I think people were drunk enough to dance along and wobble their head along to Bonobo anyway.
I had similar feelings during The War on Drugs’ set as I did at Slowdive’s set. It was made clear why this is a grammy-nominated band with their excellent musicianship and songs that conveyed a magnitude of emotions and earnestness. I’m complimenting the band to the high heavens now but the truth is I left early because I wanted to catch the last train home. Nevertheless, I sincerely enjoyed what I did hear and experience from their set and I think the band’s heartfelt indie rock sound was a perfect choice to close the entire festival.
Laneway wasn’t perfect; I was alone, there were technical issues and I hate crowds (hipsters that remind me of my own presumptuous self are particularly bad). But music has always been a priority for me, something that I religiously follow and something that also acts as a companion (perfect for someone with no friends). Laneway delivered on that front and I wouldn’t mind being slightly miserable again if I can revel in amazing live music.
A Lovely Day at Laneway There were some bumps along the Laneway road, but it was stellar ride nonetheless. I'm loser with no friends so I had to plough through the hipster fest alone but I have absolutely zero regrets.
Who knew a band like Diiv could warrant mosh pits and crowd surfers? Zachary Coleman, the frontman of Diiv, may not seem like much but this timid and gentle being produces some delightful music that manages bring a calm over me. Listening to ‘Oshiin’ is like an ethereal escape into a different space dimension (with the exception of Doused which is just a banger). ‘Is The Is Are’ is a mouthful to…
Something’s changing in Lucy Rose, but her warm and kind-hearted self always shines through. Lucy Rose is on tour to promote her new album and film “Something’s Changing” and I was eager to catch a glimpse of what “changes” the singer-songwriter had to share with her fans. Her short film documented her gutsy journey to travel Latin America (despite being warned about the dangers), solely…
Bless the internet for the unlimited access to great music, which brings me to sharing what I’ve been playing on loop for awhile now. Kane Strang – My Smile is Extinct Given the subject of the song, breaking up with a cheating girlfriend, Strang’s unvarying vocals isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially when accompanied with…
On My Loop: Charly Bliss – Ruby With vocals akin to the likes of Mars Argo (which I might describe as a "baby doll" with helium?) and instrumentation that's a mix of grunge and pop, there's very little to not like about this band.
