Party: The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band / Original Paradise Bangkok DJs

Party: The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band / Original Paradise Bangkok DJs

(Paradise Bangkok, Bangkok / London)

https://soundcloud.com/paradise-bangkok

VVK in der alten Kaschemme und Elch Records

The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band, entstanden aus dem Umfeld der legendären Paradise Bangkok Sessions, welche von den DJs Maft Sai und Chris Menist ins Leben gerufen wurden. Die Band spielt traditionelle Molam Musik – eine Stilrichtung die vor allem im Nord-Osten Thailands gespielt wird – und verbindet diese mit Elementen zeitgenössischer Psychedelica. Die tranceartigen Tracks der Band begeistern sofort und erregten auf ihrer ersten Europareise so grosses Aufsehen, dass sich auch Damon Albarn entschied, sie in sein Vorprogramm zu holen.

Breaking news: The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band's debut album “21st Century Molam” (released on 1st December 2014) is receiving rave reviews.

Born out of the legendary Paradise Bangkok sessions run by DJs Maft Sai and Chris Menist in Thailand, the band plays vintage molam music from Isan, in the North-East of Thailand, with a 21st century twist.

Featuring Kammao Perdtanon on phin (Thai lute), Sawai Kaewsombat on khaen, a type of bamboo harmonica, and backed by Piyanart Jotikasthira on bass, Phusana Treeburut on drums and Chris Menist on percussion the band has just completed what's already their second successful tour of Europe: 2013 saw them stepping in at short notice for Solange Knowles at Off Festival in Poland and hence rocking the event's main stage at 8 in the evening, playing to thousands of enthused new fans. The 2014 summer trip included a support slot for Damon Albarn in Berlin and more than 20 other festival and club shows.

“21st Century Molam” was recorded in Bangkok and mixed by Nick Manasseh in London, who also contributed a masterful dub to the band's debut single “Rob Lor Pu Tai”. The eponymous seven inch flew off the shelves when it was released over the summer.

Whilst firmly based on the traditional molam sounds of Isan, the band also draws out the genre's trance-like qualities and the driving grooves, which make their concerts highly danceable extravaganzas: Rooted in tradition yet with an eye to the future!

Chris Menist and Maft Sai are also behind the highly acclaimed “The Sound of Siam” compilations on Soundway Records, as well as releases for Finders Keepers, Light In The Attic and their own Paradise Bangkok label.