Come 2016, there are 10 gigs to look forward to (notwithstanding the weird signals that Madonna is giving us). Here’s what to check out.
Nightwish (Jan 18)
Fans of Finnish heavy metal will rejoice as Nightwish is making its way down to our sunny island. After eight studio albums and the departure and addition of some band members, they will be in town for their Southeast Asian leg of the tour, “Endless Forms Most Beautiful.” Here’s hoping they will play sounds like “Amaranth,” Sleeping Sun” and “Wish I had an Angel.” $108, The Coliseum, Sentosa, 8pm.
Walk The Moon (Jan 19)
Known for the songs like “Anna Sun,” and “Shut Up and Dance with Me,” the Cincinnati band may not have as many records like Nightwish, but their songs are being streamed regularly on Spotify. This ’80s-inspired indie pop band might just play tracks from their new album, Talking Is Hard. $98, Fort Canning Park, 8pm.
CC VVV (Jan 25)
Canadian sound artist Crys Cole and indie synth musician duo Yuen Chee Wai & Vivian Wang, (who are both members of avant rock group The Observatory) collaborate in this super indie showcase. Come listen to unique tracks which Crys Cole is known for creating with mundane sounds in her surrounding environment. $15, Artistry, 8pm.
The Vamps (Jan 26)
Emerging British boyband The Vamps (move over, One Direction) has been getting a lot of attention for its incredibly infectious songs, like the 2013 hit single “Can We Dance,” as well as “Wild Heart” and “Last Night.” Catch James McVey, Brad Simpson, Tristan Evans and Connor Ball rocking the house with their pop melodies at this gig. American band The Tide will be opening for them. $118, The Coliseum, Sentosa, 7.30pm.
Bring Me The Horizon (Jan 28)
Another British band playing here is Bring Me The Horizon, whose song, “Drown,” topped BBC’s Radio 1 playlist. They are all about bringing metal to the masses, with four studio albums under their belt. The band may be playing songs from its two recent albums, Sempiternal (2013) and That’s The Spirit (2015). $108, *SCAPE Playspace, 8pm.
Laneway (Jan 30)
Cashew Chemists
This music festival is a must-go for all music lovers, with well-known bands like CHVRCHES and majestic electro producer Flume, probably best known for his collaboration “The Greatest View” with Australian singer Isabella Manfredi. There’s also the experimental pop singer Grimes, the New York experimental rock band Battles; Australian duo Big Scary and quartet DIIV, who will be making their first-ever Asia-Pacific debut. On the local front, you can check out Cashew Chemists.
Bon Iver (Feb 16)
Photo credit: Nikko
You probably know that Bon Iver’s first album, For Emma, Forever Ago was hailed as one of the best break-up albums by Rolling Stone. The one-man band, best known for “Skinny Love” melts hearts with his ethereal tunes and use of synthesizers. Apart from this track, expect other hits like “Holocene,” “Towers” and “Calgary.” $68, The Star Theatre, 8pm.
Funeral For A Friend (Feb 19)
Remember the emo/hardcore/punk rock(ish) band craze of the early noughties? If you do, then this band should be an all too familiar name for you. It’s a bit sad that it’s their last tour after 15 years together, so you’d better camp out in front of the computer to get those tickets. Fans can look forward to songs like “Roses for The Dead,” “Juneau” and “Streetcar.” Tickets will be on sale Dec 24 on Sistic. $98, D’Marquee, Downtown East, 8pm.
Death Cab for Cutie (Mar 10)
No self-respecting indie music lover will want to miss Death Cab For Cutie’s next showcase here, which is part of the WOAH Fest sideshow. Ben Gibbard, Nick Harmer and Jason McGerr are performing tracks like “Black Sun” and “Little Wanderer” from Kintsugi, their eighth studio album. But of course, we are also hoping for fan favorites like “The Sound of Settling” from albums like Transatlanticism, We Have the Facts and We’re Voting Yes. $99, The Coliseum, Sentosa, 8pm.
Of Monsters and Men (May 10)
This headlining band joins the ranks of Death Cab for Cutie at the same fest, and is known for the earworm, “Little Talks.” The Icelandic quintet may also play other fan favourites like “Empire,” “Dirty Paws” and “Wolves Without Teeth.” $120, The Coliseum Sentosa, 8pm.
