This 8-member group of musicians based in Kuala Lumpur uses anything that can make a sound, be it garbage can covers or broomsticks, they will find a rhythm for it.
They were formed in 1998 by Edwin Nathaniel, Shahrin Hamid, Kirubakaran and Philip Robert, and expanded from there.
Rhythm is the easiest way of communication that transcends all barriers. Their regular shows at The Actors’ Studio Bangsar are always presenting new and unexpected ideas to wow the audience.
“We just want to play” manager Paul Augustin says. Everything they do is based on rhythm though they sometimes dose it with some melodic instruments. They fuse and re-fuse so many different types of styles that it is hard to know what is coming, going, and when.
They grab anything they can that will serve their purpose and have no time for any kind of snobbery. Brazilian surdo, the Indian tabla and taviel, the Malay kompang and gendang, the Trinidad steel pan, the African jembe, Native American pow-wow drum and a hodgepodge of common household utensils. The group experiments with whatever they lay their hands on.
Discography:
Colours of Rhythm (Penang-YTL Arts Festival, Dewan Sri Pinang 2002)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
