By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, March 4: Local alternative rock band Brookes has launched its very first EP album titled and styled as ‘Modern Antics’ at Haus Kch, Pending Road here last night.
Their debut EP featured a collection of six tracks that showcase Brookes’ unique sound and lyrical depth, namely ‘Signals’, ‘S.O.S’, ‘Swell’, ‘Familiar’, ‘Clown’ and an acoustic version of ‘S.O.S’.
Formed back in 2020, the band consists of Ezmir Sadriq Suhardi on vocals and guitar, Denzel Martin Gustaf (lead guitar), Nur Asri Bujang@Tenchi (bass) and Mohd Azib Junnih@Jibby (drum).
During a press conference at the event, it was revealed that each member of the band has different taste in music where Ezmir likes indie and rock bands such as Green Day, 1975, Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes; while Jibby likes metal bands in general such as Avenged Sevenfold (A7X); Denzel is a die-hard fan of Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Azri is deeply inspired by indie-pop artistes such as Phum Viphurit.
They also named several Malaysian artistes like Bunkface and Hujan as well as a local hardcore punk band Serangga as their pick for their music influence.
Asked on how the band got their name, Denzel pointed out that ‘Brookes’ was actually a throwaway name.
“Initially, we didn’t know what name we wanted to use so we just decided on ‘Brookes’ first. After a while, we became so attached to the name and that was it,” he said.
The band also expressed their mutual hope to collaborate with Sarawak-born singer-songwriter Steff Fleur.
Meanwhile, Ezmir stated that the band did not have any major plans so far apart from continuing to promote their EP album and constantly writing and producing music throughout the year.
“But I do have a target actually (telling Denzel). I want to perform in Kuala Lumpur at least!” he exclaimed.
This group has performed at the virtual gig Artsy-coustic Youthcare Malaysia 2021, virtual gig The Music Must Go On x Front Row Asia 2021, CatCity Festival by Sang Anum at Majma Mall, ‘Jahok Calling’ at Rumah Panjai Punk, ‘No Border’ at Kahf Studios, Swinburne’s Cultural Night, and ‘An Intimate Gig Show’ by Loba Events at Rumah Panjai Punk.
For the record, the song S.O.S, which is their second single, has appeared as the intro song for the TVS drama series titled ‘CCTV’ in addition to being shortlisted in the Top 200 of the Indie Song Awards and played in the Borneo English Top 10 segment on Hitz FM.
With the theme ‘70s and 80s style’, the EP launch event held in collaboration with Duranta (DRT) also witnessed guest performances from Wan Purong styled as wp.shhh, Steff Fleur, DRT, Viceroyz and nth.
The band also expressed their appreciation to Kuching-based music studio AOK Records and music distribution group Layan Records during the event.
For more information on Brookes and their debut EP ‘modern antics’, visit instagram.com/brookesband. – DayakDaily
