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Outtakes

Bit of a mix up

A lot of writers have struggled to define the sound of Brooklyn-based duo Ratatat, but one blogger seems to have summed it up perfectly as 'Beethoven mixed with Wu-Tang Clan and Megadeth'.

Evan Mast and Mike Stroud (below) have for eight years been producing a brooding, pulsating blend of rock-meets-electronica, and over the course of three albums and many remixes for the likes of Bjork have become one of the hottest acts on the competitive New York City live music circuit.

And now after touring with big names including Daft Punk, Interpol, Franz Ferdinand and the Killers, Ratatat are to perform in Hong Kong on May 23, supported by another name to watch, Quan Yeomans, the Australian singer-guitarist of Regurgitator fame who has now settled in Hong Kong.

But don't come expecting a dance act: Ratatat's tempos rarely edge above that of hip hop, and Stroud's edgy guitar work is there as a counterpoint - not background - to Mast's electro synth work. They're also mainly an instrumental act, and during their live shows have been able to bring a stadium-filling sound to their tunes. Further details such as the venue and ticket prices will be announced later.

T-shirts that rock Rock music and T-shirts go together like guitars and amplifiers, and this perfect marriage is again being celebrated by the people behind The Underground series of live music shows.

Entries are now being sought for The Underground's latest T-shirt design competition and, although there's only HK$800 and 10 shirts featuring the winning design on offer, it's a good opportunity for creative people who want to support charitable causes.

'Last year, we donated HK$12,400 to Sichuan relief and this year the proceeds from the T-shirt sales will benefit another worthwhile charity,' says Chris Bowers, the organiser of The Underground. 'The Underground is fortunate to be in a position to raise a small sum and hopefully make a difference towards helping people.'

Designers can submit as many entries as they want, but they must be original works - and nothing offensive please. Entries are being accepted at [email protected] until April 15.

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