iNCH, The Great Spy Experiment and Charlie Lim in Concert – Our Review

House of Riot’s Triple Bill: iNCH, The Great Spy Experiment and Charlie Lim

Photo courtesy of Aloysius Lim

For the first time ever, three Singaporean artistes took the stage at the Esplanade Concert Hall, showing us just how brilliant Singapore music is. These three musicians were featured in our ultimate Singapore playlist, and the one-night-only performance was highly anticipated by fans of local music. 

The event held on 6 June 2015 was The Great Spy Experiment’s last show together before disbanding, and was almost completely sold out. Here’s what we have to say about it:

The Experience

iNCH

Photo courtesy of Aloysius Lim

There’s something special about iNCH – you can feel her soul during every song that she plays. She’s quirky, different and unusually talented, a veritable chameleon. Her voice takes on different qualities at will – it’s raspy during Chefalo Knot, but pure and sweet during Wallflower. 

iNCH’s new music is a departure from her previous style – her latest album, Bumfuzzle, is an experimental journey of self-discovery. It sounds almost electronic at times, it’s discordant at others, but it retains the same iNCH essence. She puts her own twist on music that makes her songs sound fresh and unconventional.

iNCH’s new EP, Letters to Ubin, will be released in September 2015, but until then, listen to her music on Soundcloud or follow her on Twitter. 

The Great Spy Experiment

Photo courtesy of Aloysius Lim

It was an emotional night with The Great Spy Experiment. After 10 years of playing together, it was their final swan song and the audience gave them the send-off they rightfully deserve. The moment they took the stage, they were treated to cheers and a standing ovation. Fandy, GSE’s drummer, was visibly emotional as he thanked their supporters and promised to give us a great show. And indeed it was.

The moment they began playing, I felt incredibly nostalgic. I remember attending some of their concerts what seems like aeons ago and I’ve never forgotten how entertaining they are. The band’s enthusiasm was infectious – my colleague and I were on our feet throughout GSE’s set and we had a great time! The Great Spy Experiment’s music remains classic – head-nodding, foot-tapping beats and catchy guitar rhythms with universal appeal. 

Take a walk down memory lane, check out their website or scroll through their Facebook page as they bring you the best moments of their 10 year journey.

Charlie Lim and The Mothership

Photo courtesy of Aloysius Lim

As one chapter closes, another opens – Charlie Lim is one of House of Riot’s younger artists who’s making a splash with his new double EP, Time/Space. I’m not too familiar with his music, but I had the impression that his songs were acoustic and fraught with emotion. I’m only half correct – the Time side of his EP echoes his previous works, but Space is where he experiments with his sound. 

His segment was a mix of old and new, thrilling old fans and enchanting new ones. I felt that the band overshadowed his voice for some songs, but there’s no denying that Charlie Lim is one talented musician. My colleague, a big fan of Charlie Lim, gushed about how his live performance was as good as his recordings. We were also pleasantly surprised by his effortless stage manner and charisma.

For details on Time/Space, check out Charlie Lim’s website and follow him on Twitter.

Support local!

Photo courtesy of Aloysius Lim

If you weren’t already convinced that local acts can be just as good as international ones, you would have been converted after this concert. It was almost full house at the Esplanade Concert Hall and I don’t think anyone regretted being there. 

It was a night to remember – we watched the reinvention of iNCH, the dawn of Charlie Lim, and The Great Spy Experiment’s final chapteriNCH, The Great Spy Experiment and Charlie Lim are some of the best local musicians around and they did not disappoint, getting the crowd on its feet and thrilling us all with their performances. 

We only wish that more opportunities would be given to other local musicians too. At the end of the night, one message was clear: these amazing musicians deserve your love, so remember to support local!

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This post was brought to you by the House of Riot.