When you think of Thailand's real rock bands, Retrospect and Sweet Mullet never fail to come up. Occupying two different sub genres within the realm of rock, the bands' live performances always guarantee boiling good times.
Retrospect frontman Chanattha Saisila.
Now residing on the same label, Retrospect and Sweet Mullet are often put on the same bill due to similarities, yet Retrospect has a more senior and harsher sound. Last Sunday saw them finally unite in a full scale concert entitled "RTSM VS The World" where the two bands performed together.
Retrospect and Sweet Mullet put on a seamless show, with no dead air or gaps between songs, as the two bands took turns on stage. Songs they played together didn't come off as awkward nor forced. It was a well-rehearsed, honest, energetic, non-artsy show that has been lacking in rock shows of late. It was rock'n'roll at its finest.
When it comes to Retrospect and Sweet Mullet, there's no need to praise their well-honed skills. As veterans and music students/teachers, these men know their instruments like the back of their calloused hands, and they've never been afraid to show it loud and proud on stage. Sunday was no different as the entire three hours was packed with riffs, solos, tricky finger works, on-point vocals and tight beats, delivered through a crystal clear sound system.
I must admit that I'm a late bloomer in becoming a fully fledged "Retrorian" (the name given to devoted Retrospect fans). I knew they were great musicians, but, for me, there was always something missing. The constant evolution — whether in music, personal styles and measured confidence — finally got me hooked. It's hard not to fall in love with Retrospect after a few live shows, because they are as good as they come, and now, after a decade, they've finally landed a coherent look that nobody can make fun of.
Four men on stage with only one guitar can produce a wall of sound that extends far beyond musical preferences and snobbery. Today, Retrospect has finally landed that elusive balance, and they certainly showed it on Sunday.
Bulldozing through hits and well-loved tracks culled from three albums and EPs, Retrospect, especially vocalist Chanattha Saisila, commanded respect and attention every time they took to the stage, and besides such masterful delivery, their connection and commitment to the audience was palpable — something that wasn't easy to achieve.
Sweet Mullet is generally more accessible, but hard hitting in a similar sort of way. Sweet Mullet, however, represents a sweeter side of rock music, and it was fulfilling to watch each and every one of the band members enjoy playing like it was their last day to perform. Sweet Mullet displayed their funny side when they invited comedian Jazz Chuanchuen to the stage and he didn't disappoint with his comedic take and perfect rendition of Fak Liang, by J Jetrin.
Both Retrospect and Sweet Mullet succeeded in bringing the crowd as close to delirium as possible, alternating in calling for a red sea, circle pit, mosh pit, air punching, bodysurfing and wall of death throughout the entire show. The circle pits were the biggest that I've witnessed, and it happened organically, with weaker ones like myself opting to move away towards the wall.
The energy of the young crowd was immense and appeared to be generated from pure adrenalin, as sales of alcohol was prohibited in the venue.
Luckily, there was an acoustic session that provided a much-needed breather, though such a break looked unnecessary for these two bands.
The visuals were all right, with screens and camera angles beautified by carefully chosen colours, sharp perspectives, shades and tones, but were nothing to blow your socks off.
After a show like this, it's pretty clear that Retrospect and Sweet Mullet will stick around for a long time, creating mosh pits and inspiring new generations of rock musicians to come.
Sweet Mullet.
Sweet Mullet's guitarist Narudom Tantananon goes crowd surfing.
