ON THE EVE of their second album launch, Whence He Came (WHC) are optimistic that they can be one of the few Hong Kong rock bands to crack the popular market.
Josh Wong Sun-kwok (vocals and guitar) and Ephraim Bano (guitars and backing vocals) met at a youth group in 1999, and realised they shared a desire to create a legacy of quality music. 'Most bands here come and go,' Wong says. 'We wanted to start something good that would last.'
However, keeping a settled lineup has been a challenge. With ever-changing members and enough drummers to give Spinal Tap a run for their money, the pair have remained the band's foundation. 'It's Hong Kong,' Wong says. 'People always leave.'
Stephane Wong is the band's sixth drummer. He and bass player Ken Mimasu were recruited from other bands specifically for touring duties, before deciding to stay on. WHC's sound is an energetic fireball of dynamics and verve. Jagged guitars battle machine-tight rhythms, all set against Josh Wong's melodic vitriol. 'Basically, we are rock,' Mimasu says. 'That's where the roots lie.'
'That's the safe explanation,' Josh Wong says. 'As soon as you get more defined, you just get judged by that standard.' Driven by the music, WHC have operated without expectations of success. 'We never thought we'd be able to record a full album, never thought we'd do a proper tour. It's just one thing after another and it always surprises us,' Josh Wong says. 'If you have a vision just to become famous or whatever, it's just crap. If you simply want to play music, then there are no limits to where it can take you.'
So far, their music has taken them to Australia, Japan, China, Singapore and Malaysia. The quartet have twice had to cancel US commitments, after being denied visas. Unperturbed, WHC plan to tour America and Europe later this year.
In the meantime, the band will concentrate on promoting their new album, The Shorter Story, which was released on May 31, through 89268. 'All the songs relate to characters and stories,' says Joshn Wong. 'The title eludes to depth of beauty and depth of character.'
