The fourth Mosaic Music Festival in Singapore last Thursday saw a phenomenal show by Thailand's indie heroes Moderndog, with a groove that swept through the crowd and got many up on their feet and dancing. But the band mixed up-tempo numbers with slower songs backed by acoustic bass guitar and piano.

Also taking part were fellow Thai outfit Silly Fools. Though it was concealed beneath a mild and modest stage manner, their solid-rock personality was there for all to see.

Shouts and screams in Thai rang out through Esplanade's Recital Studio, filled to its 500-capacity with mostly Thai expats. All of them sang along, word-perfect, even getting up to initiate Moderndog's signature left-to-right bottle-shake dance move.

Moderndog hits the crowd was treated to included "Happiness Is" and "Sing Tee Mi Kuey Bok" ("Untold Story"). They were joined by Singaporean tabla player Joe, who lent a sultry, exotic air to the tracks. Other songs on the set list included "Bussaba" ("Flowers"), "Bang Sing" ("Something"), "Roop Mai Lor" ("I'm Not Handsome") and Modern Dog's anthem, "Kon" ("Before").

Among the Singaporean attendees was 52-year-old housewife Janice Lim, whose 19-year-old son got her into Moderndog's music. "He used to play the CDs all the time, but at first I thought it was too loud and annoying," she recalled after the show. "I didn't even know what the words meant, but after a while, it didn't sound so bad. Now I really enjoy their music, especially after seeing them live tonight."

"So why didn't your son come tonight then?" Xpress asked.

"He has an important test at school tomorrow. I made him stay home," she replied.

Poor kid.

- The writer's trip was sponsored by Esplanade Co.

By Manta Klangboonkrong

Daily Xpress

Singapore