Local instrumental post-rock band more reverb talks about more songs, more gigs, and more government support
The six members of more reverb are more than ready for the next gig. Reverb, the echo or resonance of sound, is the heart and soul of post-rock, according to Haang Choi, the 28-year-old guitarist of local instrumental post-rock band, more reverb. Speaking about the band’s name, more reverb (stylised with lower case letters), he explained: “Reverb is the third dimension of music. We need more!”
The six-piece was recently announced as part of the line-up indie festival Wow + Flutter this August, but they’re equally happy on big stages, too.
Last year, they performed on the second stage of Clockenflap. Keys player Lok Chan, 28, noted: “For a music festival of this scale featuring such diverse music, we believe it’s a great way to promote local music to the audience and are very thankful for the entire experience”.
When asked about the upcoming festival slot, the HKU Student revealed, “It is very likely that we will perform a brand-new set. We want to show the audience what we’ve been up to since our debut album”.
The band’s debut album Lay Down and Mosh was released in December, when the band also organised and performed their own album launch show. Haang confessed, “It was our first time hosting an entire show completely on our own, with all our own crew, and it was pretty successful.”
Despite the great reception, the recording process wasn’t exactly all smooth sailing. “When we were making the album, a few members quit the band. We couldn’t find a way to finish it, and we didn’t know if we were going to be able to continue …” Lok said. “We’re very grateful that so many people were willing to give us a helping hand. Without them, the album would not exist”.
Looking forward, Haang announced more reverb would soon be releasing a music video for their song Glimpse, before heading back into the studio later in the year to finish the next album.
Hong Kong Design Institute student Jonathan Lo, 19, is the bassist and one of the newer members and spoke optimistically about their new-found dynamic. “A diversified sense of music gives us an opportunity to make new tunes. I believe music is like a fusion style dish - we come together because we are willing to see what the new dish will be.”
Haang agrees, saying, “I think it isn’t just what inspires you musically, I believe music can become an inspiration for life, belief, guidance as a human being. Music always comes after these.”
When pressed about the local music scene, Lok highlights many of the struggles that musicians face. “The cost of living in Hong Kong is so high that musicians simply do not have the resources to truly do what that want. They must fight and compromise to survive.
“Worse still, there are fewer and fewer music venues ...Everyone sees the problem, but the government and Arts Development Council has done nothing about it. How do we keep these talented musicians from giving up when they have no time, money or space?”
Lok’s resilient attitude kicks in as he says, “We have no doubt - as long as people love music, they will not stop making it.”
Edited by Jamie Lam