From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Malaysian rock is quite popular locally and overseas, often because it's packed with tropical energy and fun reflected by modern Malaysian culture itself. Malaysian youth are typically into the punk culture and is reflected by the music that they come out with. Main article Music of Malaysia. Punk Rock bands were originally from the Malaysian underground scene from the late 80's and early 90's which actually made a marker in the Malaysia music scene. Respectable bands like The Pilgrims, Carburetor Dung, The Bollocks, A.C.A.B. and A.R.T were playing in the underground gig circuit 90's around Kuala Lumpur, sharing the same stage with other bands playing different music genre. There was also Spiral Kinetic Circus (indie rock), Infectious Maggot (grindcore), 24 Reason (hardcore) and many more. The Oi! scene were also successful back then with melodical streetpunk music by bands like A.C.A.B., The Official and Roots 'N' Boots, with the smart look of the mods and skinheads. It was a great blend of music and a diverse of culture. Joe Kidd of Carburetor Dung who was a journalist from Malaysia's The Sun newspaper wrote his column called 'Blasting Concept' which reviewed most of the records and demo released by D.I.Y. bands in the 90's. There was also reviews of gigs and shows all around Malaysia. Joe Kidd now owns a D.I.Y. shop called 'The Ricecooker' which is located in the heart of the Malaysian underground scene, Central Market, Kuala Lumpur.
Most of the rock music seems to be punk, So-Cal and hardcore and centered around Terengganu. Rock has always been popular in Malaysia, since underground shows in the late 70's and then in 1986 the first punk rock magazine came out. Bands such as Mallaria and later The Stone Crows appeared but with limited mainstream success. Later, the punk rock scene moved underground in Kuala Lumpur. From the mid 90's onwards, plenty of punk rock was coming out and shows were on frequently. This still continues. However, most Malaysian rock bands have a tendency to sing in English. It should be noted that recently, more bands have begun singing in the native language, Bahasa Malaysia. Bands like OAG, Butterfingers Estranged and Paku have all crossed over. This could be due to the fact that Indonesian rock bands and their sound have greatly influenced the Malaysian market.