Rockers’ artistic album impresses
Degaruda
Degaruda
Independent release
Over the past year or so, local alternative heavy rock band Degaruda have been building up a strong following in Bangkok with their tight and dynamic live shows.
With their independently released, self-titled debut album, Degaruda have managed to capture the energy and excitement of their live gigs.
Some of the songs, like the opener “Tanks,” move through several different sections ranging from fast metal to slow heavy rock, with solo guitar interludes in between. This musical diversity keeps the album interesting and exciting over the course of 10 tracks.
Some of the songs are more straightforward, like the short and upbeat rock song “Milk,” while mostly instrumental tracks like “Slumber Party” highlight the tight musical interaction between the band members. The moody closing song, “Full Hands,” showcases the more experimental side of Degaruda.
Every song features intricate riffs and interplay between talented guitarists Dino Tarasin and Top Tarasin, while drummer Van Lakarnchua and bassist Phil Chuasukonthip add complex rhythms and counter-melodies that always drive the music along.
The album artwork, by guitarist and singer Top, is also amazing, with beautifully detailed illustrations of surreal scenes.
Fans of original, modern heavy rock with an experimental edge and some punk spirit should definitely check out Degaruda. The album is available on CD and can also be legally downloaded from the band’s Bandcamp page. — BE
Vocabulary
- interlude (n): a period of time between two events during which something different happens
diversity (n): the quality of including a range of many different things
intricate (adj): having lots of different parts and small details that fit together
interplay (n): the way in which two or more things or people affect each other
surreal (adj): more like a dream than reality, with ideas and images mixed together in a strange way
