Hong Kong rap-rock outfit LMF are returning to the stage for the "Neo Tribes" tour, their second comeback since they officially split a decade ago. But as it's only been a few years since 2009's "The Wild Lazy Tour" , the influential - and sometimes controversial - band are under pressure to rally their fans and prove they still have something to say. LMF have always been critical of Hong Kong society, and their thoughts on the current state of affairs in the city still aren't exactly positive. "Things are even worse than they were - our society has regressed," says chief lyricist MC Yan. It's an opinion expressed in the new single being used to promote the tour, Evil Century . This boasts lyrics such as "Get played like a fool by keeping silent/ Giving a chance to the scoundrels to take power" and "The sick and wealthy, will never be guilty/ Yet the poor are deemed guilty for life". The song - originally titled The Anthem and written for Japanese hip hop crew Nitro Microphone Underground - is available as a free download. "The previous version was more about general freedom, rather than about Hong Kong, and we weren't that satisfied with it, so we put it aside. But with the things that have been going on here in the past 18 months, we decided to put our thoughts into the song," LMF vocalist Phat Chan says. On the Hong Kong leg of the tour, LMF will be supported by two popular local independent bands - metal heavyweights Qiu Hong and electro rockers ni.ne.mo They hope to enlist more bands on other stops on the tour. "We are getting old, so having more bands makes touring easier," the band's bassist and art director, Prodip Leung, says laughing. After the Hong Kong show on March 21, the band plan to tour the mainland. They made their debut appearance over the border at Foshan last year. The band says they were frustrated by restrictions imposed on their language and sensitive lyrics. "We have a plan A and plan B. In plan A, we play all our songs, including those with foul language. Plan B is censored. We have to use plan B on the mainland," says guitarist/bassist Jimmy Mak Man-wai. When asked if they are just cashing in by reuniting again, MC Yan says: "Come to the show and see for yourself. We think you will see our sincerity." The band feels that the local music scene has changed little since they arrived on the scene. They do believe, however, that more people are starting to see Canto-pop as second-rate, something LMF has always preached. But LMF don't believe it is their mission to change things, and they continue to put out the message that people should just be themselves. "You can only do what you do, so do it the best you can. You may not be able to change your surroundings, but do not use this as an excuse to conform," says Leung. It's this independent spirit that makes them stand apart from the usual factory-made Hong Kong artists, and may sum up the enduring appeal of the band. LMF says what many feel, but are too afraid to express. And that's something to be praised. 48hours@scmp.com LMF, March 21, 8.15pm, Star Hall, Kitec, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay, HK$300 (seated), HK$500 (standing), HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 6839 3312