Project E.A.R. has raised a new awareness in me about the state of rock in Southeast Asia. It is actually a supergroup of Malaysia’s famous hip hop rock group Pop Shuvit, Filipino rap metal group Slapshock, hip hop group Ahli Fiqir of Singapore, Indonesian rock band Saint Loco and Thai hip hop groups Thaitanium and M.E.M. They played their first show at the 2008 MTV Asia Awards in Genting Highlands, Malaysia. This is no emo wannabe; they don’t dress like American emo bands or British bands with ties and shit. They don’t try to knock off what is out there so much as adapt good ole rock for a Southeast Asian audience. It works and one not need understand Malay or Thai to love their hit song, “Marabahaya” (Malay for “Dangerous Move”).
I listen to this and I reminisce about Papa Roach, Disturbd, P.O.D., Linkin Park (circa 2001), System of a Down, and the countless other rock bands I listened to just a few years ago. What I like about Project E.A.R. is how they joined up in solidarity to promote the idea of a united Southeast Asia, an idea popular in the region. Furthermore I am always a sucker for a good combination of rock and hip hop and I think these guys have done it. The catchy chorus will have this song on repeat. It’s good rock for good rock’s sake and hey, if we can show some love to our brothers and sisters out there who we have a lot more in common with than differences, why not? This sounds like the ultimate jam session for sure.
P.S. Americanos out there, you’ll appreciate knowing that the peeps in Thaitanium hail from Thailand AND New York City. NYC raise up!
Here’s “Marabahaya” by Project E.A.R.:
peace and love,
b do c