The Observatory: From revolution to evolution

Art rockers The Observatory are one of the few Singapore bands capable of successfully bridging the gap between experimental avant-garde music and rock ‘n’ roll.

They started out with the early exploration of electronica-imbued space rock, before taking a sharp detour with the psychedelic folk of 2009’s Dark Folke and later hunkering down to the visceral noise-rock exercises of 2012’s Catacombs.

Now in their 13th year of existence with a new album called Oscilla, the band have made several membership changes, which have contributed to their continuous artistic evolution. The core group — Leslie Low, Vivian Wang and Dharma — still remains, but they now have Cheryl Ong and Yuen Chee Wai in their ranks. (Previous members include musician-artist Bani Haykal and bassist Victor Low.)

Said Leslie: “Haykal was involved in the development of the music on Oscilla before his departure early this year. But the contributions of Wai and Ong have been influential in taking our music to where it is now. So Oscilla became this living, breathing thing.”

The harsh realities of being a full-time musician in Singapore had a significant impact on their membership, said Wang. “We’re attempting what many in Singapore would consider impractical, perhaps even naive. It’s a lot of work for very little financial security. No medical benefits, no days off. It can take a toll on anyone and, for the most part, being away from family and friends for a long period posed some problems for Haykal,” she said. “It was really tough for him on the road. Victor, an ex-member, also found it incredibly difficult to be away from family.” Conceptually, the new album “captures the zeitgeist of the present”, said Yuen. “The world, in its current state of affairs, is convoluted and distressing. Mindless wars are being fought, minorities being repressed unjustly, innocent lives lost. We are currently in the brutal and dark age. And instead of wallowing in a downward spiral, Oscilla is a rallying call for people to band together and effect a change.”

This change is also reflected in the music — Oscilla sounds like a more straightforward rock album. It’s a natural progression for Dharma, who was inspired by the experience of touring with Norwegian band MoE in 2012 and was influenced to pursue a heavier sonic approach. “(With) all that heavy ’60s and ’70s sounds, it felt like it was time for a heavy rock-sounding album but in a more mature Observatory style.”

Lyrically, the songs also seem to reflect the current Singaporean political landscape and rise of activism. “It’s in plain view that social activism is on the rise,” said Leslie, the band’s lyricist. “Common people like us making a stand. Living off the grid in some way or another, (offering) criticism of existing paradigms, alternatives, the view from the ground up.”

What do all these elements sound like? You can hear the band’s album launch at The Substation next week.

“(Expect) long-winded guitar solos heading nowhere,” Dharma revealed. “And it’s going to be louder than all the previous launches too.”

Ong emphasised: “It’s straightforward, raw and loud.”

The Observatory’s album launch is on Aug 15 and 16, 8pm at The Substation. Tickets at S$20 (S$25 at the door) from http://oscilla.peatix.com.

You can also pre-order the album at http://www.theobservatory.com.sg.