Published by The Young Reporter online (November 30, 2015) and in print (Vol.48, Issue 3, December 2015)
Clockenflap’s Atum and Yourmum Stage was the stomping ground for acts from around the Asia region on the festival’s final day. The kaleidoscope of sounds on offer – from indie pop to death metal – was a much welcomed and balanced mix not normally seen on the schedules of many festivals around the world.
King Ly Chee 荔枝王
Hong Kong
Local hardcore act King Ly Chee came out waving the Hong Kong flag and followed with a hot-headed set drenched in local pride and anti-discrimination messages.
A combination of an already warmed up crowd (courtesy of previous act, Flesh Juicer) and strong patriotism paved the way for an energy packed set.
Lead singer Riz Farooqi, a Hong Konger with Pakistani heritage celebrated Hong Kong’s cultural diversity during the set. “There is no other place in Hong Kong where you can see people of so many ethnicity,” Farooqi said, referring to Clockenflap’s audience, by adding “But this is Hong Kong. You guys have done something this government couldn’t do.”
Farooqi writes about social and political issues in Hong Kong such as activism and local attitudes to Mainlanders on the band’s website.
The band performed Unite Asia from their 2009 album 10 Years of King Ly Chee 十年. The lyrics read:
UNITE ASIA I see the desperation in your eyes,
UNITE ASIA When it feels like no one hears you your spirit dies
UNITE ASIA To those with no hope I sing to you
UNITE ASIA Look around this room, you’ll see that we stand with you.WE STAND WITH YOU.
From the streets of Hong Kong
We hear your voices loud.
We know all about the struggles you face…
It’s this for which we’re bound.
Shugo Tokumaru
Japan
Japanese multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Shugo Tokumaru brought an array of eclectic and indie sounds to a relaxed Atum Stage. Crowds bopped to Tokumaru’s speckled aural rainbow under a setting sun.
Flesh Juicer 血肉果汁機
Taiwan
As darkness devoured the Yourmum Stage, Flesh Juicer’s dreadlocked pig head wearing lead singer emerged from the stage drapes, marking the start of an evening of hardcore – a contrast to Shugo Tokumaru’s earlier quirky act.
A violent whirling mosh pit formed throughout the band’s set. Head banging, elevated stomping and frenzied shoving ensued. Animalistic squeals and shrieks from the lead were echoed by the pit.
Tanya McGovern 