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. On stage, Kai Hii Kitora are a blistering fireball of energy and their ability to pace their sets with songs that appeal across the board makes them instantly accessible. Lyrically and musically, the band cite Valerie Solanos' Scum Manifesto, Miles Davis and cult teen heartthrob Wendy Pheffercorn as their main inspirations. Farrell adds: 'Our songs are usually about things we find funny. In-jokes, and ones that the audience can share. We write dirty sexy songs.' Chow says: 'We're not dumb enough to think the music alone is enough for people to adore. Kai Hii is a bigger picture than that. It's more fun that way, for us and the audience.' In keeping with this approach, the group's new single, Hott, with two Ts, is released today and is being made available at only one location. Urquiola says: 'We're always into promoting alternative means. To us, the best music is always hard to discover. If you are willing to do a bit of work to find it, it's that much more fulfilling.' Farrell adds: 'We didn't just want to put it in a CD shop - where's the excitement in that? That's why we've pulled away from that altogether. Instead of just walking into HMV and paying a lot of money, we're giving ours away for free. We'll make you work to find it though - that's the fun. It's great when you are hunting for a record and the adrenalin of finally getting it.' Causeway Bay's underground cult store De-Javu (tel: 2367 2302) has been chosen as their preferred location. 'You have to go and ask for it,' says Chow. 'Don't be dissuaded by the shop and what it looks like. Follow it through and you'll always remember the experience of getting your first Kai Hii record.' Farrell says: 'We want the songs out there and people to hear them. A lot of our audience can't afford to buy as many records as they'd like - just like we can't, so we're giving them away.' Strictly limited to 100 hand-numbered discs, the first 10 singles will feature special individual artwork - and all will include information unavailable anywhere else, such as details on upcoming secret shows and web addresses for increased access to the band site. Farrell says: 'We're just doing things our way, taking it back to the streets. We want to get through to the kids who want to be there with us, to share in that rush.' Kai Hii Kitora, Nov 26, 6.30pm- 11pm, The Warehouse, 116 Aberdeen Rd, $35 advance, $50 door. For details phone 6205 0908 or go to www.khkband.tk .
