Tie Shu Lan (鐵樹蘭) is a Hong Kong
independent band formed in 2006, they categorize themselves as nu-metal and are
very keen on developing this genre to reach more Hong Kong audience. Their
first ever album, “讓信念繁衍” (Let
Faith Propagate) is released on
15th January, 2011; differ from the mainstream musicians, they held
a CD release show on that day with supporting performance of other Hong Kong
bands. The album is anticipated by their fans for a few years since it is not
an easy achievement for independent bands to produce an album. This album is
appreciated and recommended by two independent music organisations 3C Music and Bitetone as one of the best quality music album and best designed
album cover of 2011. Their achievement and hard work is not less than other
mainstream musicians/singers/artists. The album can be act as an entrance to
the whole Hong Kong band culture if you have never laid your ears on their
music; also it is a precious fruit for music lovers to collect and share their
achievement.
Tie Shu Lan is a four-piece band
with Fung (guitarist), Man Wai (bassist), Chi Tung (drummer) and Sunny (vocal).
The album has a very solid, strong based of skills and very discernible on
their style and ideas; as some of the members are qualified music instrument
teacher which adds more depth to their music, the rhythm, melody, arrangements
and sound effects. They are fortunate because they got Sammy, vocal of an established
band, Kolor, as their producer. The album gathered songs they worked on through
the past five years. There are seven songs from heavier tunes to mild tunes,
Tie Shu Lan have played a variety range of elements in the realm of metal
music.
The songs have different focused topics, social phenomenon, twisted
values, personal experiences and memories. They have songs like “格式化” and “同化” are showing their stand against the
twisted values in the society which framed everyone to go on a same direction
in their lives and the narrow acceptance of different types of local music in this
international city. Tie Shu Lan’s songs are not only filled with anger but also
with positive power; the song “再”
is inspired by Liu Xiang, the Chinese Olympic hurdler, the record breaking success
of him as a Chinese played in the Olympics and won a golden medal is encouraging
them to make good music; the song is also dedicated to all bands in Hong Kong
as an encouragement too. Despite the spirit as a fighter for all local rock
bands, their songs also tell stories of the members’ life memories (“荷理活道”) and the band’s experience (“往事兒”), which showed their perceptual side and
this is rare to find amongst heavy metal music. My favourite song “生命” is one of the strongest in rhythm with nearly
shouting on the vocals but with the most positive message on “life”; the
encouraging words and the togetherness showed in it will surely touch your
heart.
The consume of this music album is only one part of the whole experience
of music appreciation on Tie Shu Lan; the more appealing power from the band,
especially the story teller vocalist, is to be felt when you watch them perform
in live shows. Tie Shu Lan's music represent voices of the underground band scene and spreading the idea of protecting Hong Kong's core values, emphasizing their ‘mission’ is to spread positive energy and let rock
music flourish in Hong Kong, wishing alternative music can reach wider audience who are not necessary a fan of
heavier music.
Thanks Jeanjor for the first review on a music album! The review mainly reveals the “positive energy” embodied by the music band, with a brief textual analysis of the lyrics in this album. It is comprehensive and well-organized, while possessing a strong sense of personal touch.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you can focus on one or two songs and cite some representative lyrics in substantiating your arguments (i.e., “spreading the idea of Hong Kong's core values”).You may also try to identify the target audiences who are consuming such kind of “non-mainstream” music (e.g, youngsters like you?).