For a local band that’s barely three years old and has released only one album (2007’s Waiting for You), West Grand Boulevard (WGB) has managed to earn something lesser Singaporean acts can only hope for: strong street cred. Despite having been through the rock-band rite of passage of line-up changes (current vocalist Bryan Gamboa rejoined last year, in addition to new drummer Syed Hyder), this alternativerock quintet is often considered the local scene’s prodigal son for its energetic gigs, which showcase catchy hard-pop tunes like ‘DKNY’ and ‘Now We Will’. 

What’s more, WGB has racked up stage hours performing at heavyweight local alternative music festivals, such as Baybeats, Fasten Your Seatbelt, Lime Sonic Bang and Rock the Sub; and just last month, they opened for San Diego’s surf-/power-pop quintet, Switchfoot, at Expo’s Max Pavilion. 

This month, WGB will perform at the third annual NUS (National University of Singapore) Arts Festival. Held from 15 February till 23 March with a theme of Arts + Medicine, the campus fest features a wide range of music, dance, drama, film and visual arts. For this gig, fans of WGB can expect to hear a preview of their next album, scheduled to be recorded later this year. As for casual festival-goers, it’s wise to be ready for the inevitable mosh pit, usually ignited by WGB’s guitarists (Erik Evangelista and Dharma Sadasivan, and bassist Jude Lee) jumping around onstage.

More information on West Grand Boulevard's NUS appearance.