December 14, 2009
Unplugged 2009
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Who would have ever thought that one of the biggest lecture halls in Tunku Abdul Rahman College, would someday accommodate an actual MOSH PIT?!
That's what it came down to, at this year's Unplugged IV Band Competition cum Rock Concert. 6 band finalists. 4 immensely musical guests performers (bands). Two funny emcees. Loads of people, and a terrific organizing committee.
The result? A historical event like never before.
Now, you know that this show has to be a force to reckoned with when someone like yours truly, who has very little liking for rock music, enjoyed himself all the way throughout the event. From the moment the showed kicked off at 6.00 p.m. till the time the curtains were drawn at 11.00 p.m., Unplugged proved to be entirely entertaining, and enormously energetic.
Credits have to be given to the committee for selecting top notch finalists. Down to Earth, winners of the evening's event, definitely deserved their victory -their take on Marie Digby's "Avalanche", Colby O' Donnis and Akon's "What You've Got" (which took everyone by surprise, pleasantly) and a rock-rendition of "Nobody" by the Wondergirls, epitomized the band's creativity and talent. I would say they stood out due to their juicy creativity, nicely blended harmonies, and musical finesse.
(Down to Earth performing)Other finalists (in performing order) include 202 Band, which was the only band who performed a Malay song that night - "Itu Kamu", by local music phenomenon Estranged and an original composition by one of the band members. Chili Man Skitz performed second, with another notable feat- they were the only finalist with a Chinese song, coupled with a performance of "Love Story" by Taylor Swift. (Yes, the vocalist was female- Miss Jessyca Cheong).
Blackbox took the tide in another direction. The band went more on the hardcore side, performing "Seek and Destroy" by legendary band Metallica, and "Island in the Sun" by Weezer. The thing about Blackbox though, unlike the previous two bands, was that Neo Eu Yann (vocalist) could scream Ala rock. Not like Freddie Mercury of course, but there definitely is great potential.
Down to Earth took the stage next, followed by Pull the Plug. This particular band had me in chills, for two reasons. Firstly, Stuart, the guitarist, played incredibly flawlessly. His transitions were smooth, and his solos left an impact. Above that however, was the vocalist's performance. He had a rock-opera touch to his voice, which was especially prominent in the second song, "The Phantom of the Opera". Very, VERY HAUNTING. Their initial song though (The Fray's "How to Save a Life") didn't go too well.
Finally, The Raccoons - one of the most anticipated acts that evening, took the stage. With renowned members, such a famed vocalist Aryton Bernado Soliano, they performed a medley of two songs: "Level" by The Raconteurs and "Come Together" by The Beatles, ensued by Oasis' "Champagne Supernova". Overall, the band played smoothly, and definitely vindicated expectations.
All did well; all rocked the stage.
The stage deco was arguably simple, which definitely worked in favour of the affair. Unplugged was, after all, a celebration of music, and not a visual arts exhibition. The backdrop was bold, and made a pronounced statement- like it was intended to.
(The stage)
Not to forget, The Ex-Boyfriends kicked off the show with a few self-composed songs. Being winners of the previous Unplugeed from two years ago, the band has clearly maintained their abilities to entertain, and perform very very well.
Guest performers included Beat the System (without Lenard), who started the mosh pit thingamajig. With each guitar strum and each word sung, they gave the audience a huge boost, in terms of energy and spirit. By their second song, the floor before the stage was filled. People were screaming, jumping, headbanging- you name it, TARCians were doing it. (Nothing vulgar, of course. We're very civilized, mind you)
Rosevelt also made an appearance. Mid this year, the band made it's debut during Talentime Night 2009; during which I had the honor of introducing them to the public. While they proved their prowess that night, their performance during Unplugged showed just how much they have improved within the time frame of a few months. Picking up where Beat The System left off, they kept the show going, and added to the rock-themed energy that was building.
NAO was another noted performer that evening. To think that they went on playing pure music without break for about 40 minutes- these are guys with serious stamina. Every note was spot on, and this showed just how professional the band is. Having toured China recently, the band performed flawlessly that night, with a very colourful collection of songs.
Of course, they kind of went on a little too long, as many agreed. That said, the musical stream they weaved that night was like no other. Unique, creative and astounding by any scale.
MC Shaun and MC Nalina spiced things up a lot. Literally, too, thank you. One could easily tell how relaxed and natural they were at hosting such events. No stress, no sweat. Both looked stunning as well. And oh, Nalina definitely made a statement that night: "Dont mess with me. I have killer shoes. Period".
All in all? Everyone who was involved (directly and indirectly) in the production of Unplugged definitely gets two thumbs up. It was a brilliant show- entertaining and power-packed from beginning to end, without a second going to waste. Special congratulatory wishes are in order for Bryan Chin, Nalina Nair, and Jonathan Teo - the big brains behind the whole occassion.
And for those of you who missed out on TARC's Unplugged 2009? Well, pray that there'll be another one next year. Trust me, this is one event you can't miss, even if you're not a TARCian.
Cheerio.
PS: Pictures courtesy of Roslyn Ruslan, Jiahui Koh, and Unplugged.
