Secret shows, unusual releases, props - local five-piece melodic hardcore pop outfit Kai Hii Kitora are injecting some much-needed imagination into the local music scene.
Guitarist Gregory Anthony Farrell, drummer Joseph Roy Watson, singer Arthur Douglas Joseph Urquiola, Luke Chow on bass and electronics, and keyboard wiz Adam 'Ace' Leung have been together for only about six months now, but have been making a lot of noise.
On their curious moniker: 'I made it up,' says Farrell. 'We wanted a name that was not associated with any kind of scene or band, or anything that people had heard before.'
Defined by Farrell as 'rock with a kick', Kai Hii Kitora's sound is a razor-tight, hit-and-run attack. It's an irresistible melodic thrash that is both intricate and direct, but infused with a genuine pop sensibility.
However, it's live that the band - with an average age of 20 - feel truly in their element. 'That's the highlight for us,' says Chow. 'We go out of our way to put on a good show. There's nothing worse than seeing a band who just stand there whining.'
They promise there will be no on-stage whining at their live show at The Warehouse next Friday.
Typically, the group will insist on turning off all house lights, preferring instead homemade decorations including Christmas lights and other accessories. 'We bring our own lights, sirens, sound samples and whatever it takes to set the right atmosphere for the songs,' says Farrell.