This month's must-attend for anyone interested in the local underground scene is Sound of Silence at The Hang Out in Sai Wan Ho. The lineup is heaving with 11 local bands, each with their own story to tell.
One to catch is five-piece Maniac. One of Hong Kong's hottest rock bands, the group have opened for the likes of UK giants Bring Me the Horizon, Osaka-bred 'electronicore' outfit Crossfaith and The Devil Wears Prada from Ohio, USA. Having teased the rockers of Hong Kong with a high-energy debut album, this year's new release, Not Human At All, has created a new wave of buzz. Not to mention, a stunning music video.
Also on the lineup are progressive metal group Qollision, who have been playing together since 2013. The five Hong Kong musicians have picked up their fair share of international gigs, having supported Obey the Brave and Periphery when they toured Taiwan. Keep your ears open for hybrid rock outfit 一般性 (directly translated as 'General'), a quartet who each garner influences from opposite corners of the musical spectrum – from psychedelica and funk to straight-up grunge.
With a core value in place 'to express emotions in a direct, universal and human way', their open and raw performances have garnered them a plethora of performances throughout East Asia.
Eli, Tux, Not So Worth, The Bonkers, Epitaph, Bull Terrier, FightxClub and Wandering also play on the day. It's an eclectic lineup showcasing Hong Kong's underground rock scene and there are few performances you should feel comfortable missing.
Author: Jules O'Brien