New Pants Who they are: stalwarts of Chinese indie rock, Peng Lei, Pang Kuan, Lo Bo and Shang Xiao (who has left the band) released their first album in 1998, a self-titled debut that was one of the mainland's best-selling rock/pop albums. Their fifth release, Equal Love, came out late last year and the band (below) are now gearing up for Australian, US and European tours. What they play: electro-disco mashed with indie rock and a heavy 80s flavour. When they started out, they were one of the mainland's top punk acts, influenced by new wave and early punk rockers such as the Ramones. Josie Ho Who she is: the singer/actress (right) who also happens to have a mogul for a dad (billionaire Stanley Ho Hung-sun) is a real rock chick. She has played many shows and festivals across the region, including Rockit and Let's Fight. What she plays: bouncy, energetic, straight-up rock. Audiotraffic Who they are: Adrian Da Silva, Don Cruz, Glenn Bogador and Ferdie Ramos are about as close as it gets to being veteran rockers in Hong Kong. Formed in 1998, they recorded their debut album, Cry, with Benjamin Levre, who worked the decks for the Pet Shop Boys and the Rolling Stones. What they play: indie rock that brings to mind shoe-gazer Brit bands and prog-rockers such as Muse. The Lovesong Who they are: two ex-members of defunct indie band Whence He Came - Ephraim Bano and Nic Tse - plus Ben Tse and Suhail Stephen make up the fast-rising Lovesong (below), who have opened for Nine Inch Nails and performed at key mainland music festival Midi. What they play: a blend of punk rock and hardcore, with the elements of soul music that makes for a unique sound. Forever Tarkovsky Club Who they are: two of Hong Kong's top experimental musicians - My Little Airport's P and Pixeltoy's Ho Shan. What they play: more experimental tunes that are ambient, melodic and even sweet, though with the cynical lyrics that are the trademark of My Little Airport. Hei Wong Who he is: a guy with a guitar who also arranges and produces all his own music. The indie singer-songwriter released his first album a little over a year ago and his follow up just before the end last year. What he plays: indie, folksy stuff, with a good number of love songs. Modern Children Who they are: a five-man band (above) with Chih on guitar/bass, Hin on drums, Kenneth Tsang on vocals/guitar/bass, Jimmy Cheung on guitar/bass and Sai Ho on violin/electronics. What they play: colourful, diverse rock that fluctuates between indie pop and post-rock, filling in the gaps with instruments such as violin and bells. Clementine is My Sunshine Who he is: in two years on the local music circuit, 18-year-old Jon Wu has opened for Avril Lavigne, won a clutch of Tom Lee songwriting awards and been the subject of a Channel V documentary. What he plays: sweet, melodic guitar-led tracks that he says are inspired by the likes of Bob Dylan and Elliott Smith.
