Thai classics

Hariguem Zaboy play favourites

By Tatat Bunnag

It's been just over a year since Hariguem Zaboy released their debut album, Thick Mink, and it’s definitely been a good year for them. Their single “Tender Mind” was a top ten hit on Cat Radio, and their schedule has taken them from art exhibitions to campus touring, gaining in popularity along the way. They’ve played at big concerts like Pow! Fest, and recently opened for Swedish indie group Wilderness in Bangkok.

The four band members — singer and guitarist Rungsimun Suwiruttanapast (Jar), lead guitarist Napan Pichaikool (Parn), bassist Ratanapong Phumloyfah (Benz), and drummer Garntanop Tanjaroen (Golf) — introduced Thai listeners to their shoegazing and noise pop influences that were popular in UK back in the early ‘90s. The group also has a strong appreciation for local music.

Student Weekly recently met with the members of Hariguem Zaboy before they hit the studio to record their second album, and asked them to share their favourite Thai records.

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Saliva Bastards

Saliva Bastards (2006, Durian Records)

Jar: “Saliva Bastards is one of my favourite Thai rock bands. I remember first hearing their song “Friday Night” on the radio in my parents’ car, and it was jaw-dropping. I had no idea that there was a Thai band out there playing this type of music. Their album has great indie rock tunes and really decent production. The other guys in Hariguem Zaboy adore this album too, and we cover the songs sometimes at our gigs.”

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Summer dress

Activity (2012, Panda Records)

Golf: “We’re good friends with Summer Dress. Our bands started out at around the same time, and we’ve seen them evolve and improve over the years. Activity is a modern indie pop record that is catchy, fun, cheerful and danceable, but at the same time you can still sense the youthful rebellion in their sound. My favourite tracks are “A Boy,” “Routine” and “Instrumental.”

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The Innocent

Ten O’clock (1989, Nithitas Promotion)

Parn: “I think The Innocent was one of the first Thai pop bands that had interesting original music. They write unique pop songs with creative chord progressions. “Pror Ther Rue Plao (Was it Because of You?)” from this album is a love ballad with lyrics that really appeal to me. If you’re looking for some great Thai pop music, I can’t recommend this album enough.”

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Abstraction XL

Abstraction XL (2013, Panda Records)

Benz: “I first heard this album when I graduated from university. Abstraction XL is the kind of band you need to see live at least once, and you will understand their greatness. Their shows are unpredictable, and the band look like they’re possessed by demons. [Laughs.] That’s what makes Abstraction XL so unique. All 14 tracks on their debut album are intriguing, but my favourite is “Mong Org Pai (Looking Out).”

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Basement Tape

Two (2014, Colorcode)

Jar: “I personally think there are no other bands nowadays that are better at making pop music than Basement Tape, especially on this album. I’ve been listening to their music since their first release, but Two is Basement Tape at their best. It’s a fun rock ‘n’ roll record that has a warm feeling to it, and you can listen to the entire album without skipping a track. “Surprise Surprise” is one of my favourites and I don’t think I’ll ever get bored of it. It’s also pretty cool that we’ve become good friends with the band and have learned a lot from them.

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Napat Snidvongs

Fruit EP (2007, SO::ON Dry Flower)

Benz: “Fruit is an album that’s full of hope. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to follow your dreams after hearing it. One of my friends introduced me to Napat Snidvongs’ music when I was in high school and I was hooked right away. All seven tracks on this album are so simple, honest and very charming. I love the lyrics of the title track, “In this big, big planet, no matter how far we go, we will eventually come back to where we came from.”

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