Estrella @ Centro Bar

A night to remember. No one was interested to join me, so I went alone. The moment I walked in at around 7:50 PM, I was introduced to the organiser of the album launch party. He thought I was with the media, a reporter/columnist of some sort since I was dressing rather formal and had a bag strung across my chest. I politely denied and smiled, "I'm just a student, a fan of the band." Then he humbly replied, "Oh, thanks for coming, please enjoy yourself!". I grabbed myself a drink and sat at the 2nd front-most table to the stage. Ordered a finger food, fried cheese rolls. Not that delicious though. The guest artists performed to warm up the atmosphere. They were "Otam" and "Seven". Smooth and funky indie tunes, just that the vocals weren't that impressive.

I could see a girl walking around, she's a gorgeous bombshell. She looks like a Malay "Wai Kee" with a more attractive pair of eyes. The vocalist of "Seven" ended his performance with a song entitled "Malam Ini" dedicated to Liyana. He was looking straight at her, then I noticed, "Oh my...." That lady is the vocalist for Estrella. I didn't know as there are hardly any pictures of the band posted on their webby, I was just sure that I love their music.

The moment everyone was waiting for begun at approximately 10. "Ternyata" music video was played to entertain the audience while the band was preparing on stage. Then I could see people swarming to the front. Luckily I got myself a nice spot on the front line. Took pictures along as I was indulging in their live performance. I sang along to two of their songs, which are pretty much predictable if you have read my previous post. I really don't know how to portray the whole experience in words. In a nutshell, I felt very alive for the first time.

After the final encore, I asked the organiser whether If I could get an autograph from all the band members and took pictures with them. He gladly replied sure without hessitation and led me to the band. Good thing that I brought along a marker. I even lent it to the band to sign some other fans' CDs. They were very down to earth and nice. They kept thanking me for coming and supporting. The extreme excitement made me forgot to take a picture with the organiser. I should have taken. I hope those who were there will help to spread the words, highlighting this band to more local audience. Estrella, thanks for the great night.


Centro Bar, Sooka Sentral.


Liyana, charming the crowd.


Left most is Duan of Seven Collar T-Shirt.


From left: Liyana, Jeff, Nobu, Wan


Sweet Liyana and my copy of the album.


Nobu & Yob (The other songwriter besides Liyana)


My autographed CD. I spilled out my real name when asked.


An autograph on the booklet from Yob.

Estrella

A serendipity. I saw the album at Tower Records (KLCC) last week, was really curious how they will sound since the album art looks kinda tasteful. Then came across the ad for the album launch at facebook while human-petting. Decided to check them out. Visited Laguna Records' webby and listened to both of the sample songs. *Ears sending impulses to acoustic nerve in the brain* Liyana's voice just took my breath away. "Ternyata", a mind-soothing track, sounds like a mix of acoustic jazz and bossa nova. Lovely. "Stay" feels very much like indie pop; Liyana's style of singing on this track reminds me of Nina Persson of The Cardigans. Simple and charming. Frankly speaking, I think they play better music compared to many other local bands. They will be having an album launch party at Centro Bar, Sooka Sentral, KL Sentral on 31st January 2008 which is this coming Thursday at 8 PM. I guess I'll be heading there, hopefully there will be an autograph-signing session. Anyone wanna join me?






Please visit this link to listen to the samples:
http://estrella.laguna-records.com/

Their MySpace Music Page:
http://www.myspace.com/estrellaband/

Cloverfield

With $25 million budget, this is a brilliant show. I've never been so engrossed by a film in the cinema before. None of the cast members seems familiar to me, I have to say they really did an excellent work in taking their roles to that extent. It is so convincing that it keeps you agonised at times, it plays around with our very bare instinctive reactions. The anxiety over the uncertain condition of your loved ones and the fear of the unknown, they both give you the heebie-jeebies and run cold shivers down your spine. You'll be driven mad over the overwhelming desperation of saving your significant other. No matter what it takes, you are ready to give your life. That's the kind of scenario that it leaves you in. I would feel and react exactly the same way if I were in Rob's shoes, Beth is a bombshell after all. Please do not do your research on this movie before you watch it. The surprise is part of the entertainment. It's similar to I Am Legend which eases your curiousity as the film progresses, only much better this time. I'm pretty sure I was not the only one whose attention was consumed by the movie in the cinema. I could see many tilted to the front to have a better look during the intense scenes. It's worth every cent you spend for the ticket, do yourself a favour and watch it. Sit tight and brace yourself through the ordeal.