WHY KILLER SOAP NEEDS TO LEAVE HONG KONG

I became a fan of Hong Kong band Killer Soap the first time I heard them.

That was a few months ago at, of all places, a racecourse.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AXO0JJ0yMg

The band was playing at a Happy Wednesday event at Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong.

Funny to think albeit in a sad way, that the Hong Kong Jockey Club is doing more for local bands than many of those sanctimonious shitheads who claim to be trying to “save the music.”

Of course, there are exceptions like Chris B, Justin Sweeting, Justin Sweet Thing etc.

As for this first time I saw and heard Killer Soap, there were a couple of other bands there, but they were not in the same league as these guys.

The band sang in perfect English, their originals were originals and they can really play.

Remember being able to actually PLAY????

These days, I hear many- too many- bands going up onstage with outta-tune guitars, the obligatory singer who screams, “FFFFFUUUUUUCCCCKKKKK!” ‘cos it’s supposedly “cool” and music that is wretchedly rancid and derivative.

But not with Killer Soap.

Rocky Chan, the singer has an amazingly good voice in a city where lead vocalists are a little thin on the ground.

And even thinner and weedier when it comes to their vocals.

I told him to listen to Jon Anderson sing “Your Move” when Anderson was part of Yes, so, here goes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y430vq9wI7w

Where the hell are songs and bands like this, anyway????

And, baby?

Send an Instant karma to me/Initial it/ with loving care.

You’ve always been the best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cQ97Bclw2g

The rest of the band?

Equally good and tight and with Gould Wu being one of the best local Rock drummers I have heard.

Possibly the best.

Jun? Donald Ashley?

Sure, they’re good.

Ask The Don and he’ll tell you how great he was in 1987.

That’s long ago, man.

So, let’s make room for new local talent. They are a rarity.

This kid Gould is, well, a kid and young and knows his drummers- everyone from Travis Barker to John Bonham.

There is a lot to be said about musical influences.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDqK6pnRXX0

Speaking of which, last night-and again at Happy Valley Racecourse- when they launched into a song by Mew, I smiled.

No, not Muse. Mew from Denmark, one of the best experimental and creative bands from that country which has a non-stop list of great bands.

Pity, few ever hear them.

Again, it says a lot about influences.

I would love to see what might come from a collaboration between Killer Soap and Mew.

Why the fuck not?

And which is why Killer Soap must leave Hong Kong.

They will slip and slide here and go down the crapper playing with the usual suspects.

And for those of you who think the sun only shines outta the arses of bands from the UK and the US, listen to some of these Danish musical pastries.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD431tflA1k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aDO7-d3F2Y

In the meantime, bend down and pick up some Killer Soap.

You’ll never walk straight again.

But this might be a good thing.

#killersoap