Baybeats 2024 wrapped up this past weekend, and we're still buzzing. The general consensus among the thousands of attendees and music fans who thronged this year's festival was that this 23rd edition was hands-down the best Baybeats in recent memory.
Part of it was due to the strong complement of international artists such as Japan's LITE and Tokyo Shoegazer, Thailand's KIKI and YONLAPA, the Philippines' FRANCO, Taiwan's Outlet Drift, Malaysia's Plauge of Happiness, Indonesia's Mooner, Lomba Sihir and Dongker, among many others.
But much of the hype and enthusiasm that enveloped the Esplanade this year was down to the festival's exceptional local lineup. From veteran faves, to highly-anticipated reunions, to the festival debuts of several Budding bands - Baybeats 2024 proved to be unforgettable for a myriad of reasons.
B-Quartet
Naturally, the highlight of the 3-day event was the long-awaited comeback of B-Quartet, who elicited unreserved emotional responses from older fans who were overcome with nostalgia, as well as awe-struck younger attendees who got to witness the seminal Singaporean outfit for the first time. This way the perfect way to cap off a fantastic weekend of live music.
sub:shaman
Meanwhile, the return of cult favourites sub:shaman was probably the best overall experience at Baybeats this year, thanks to Marc Gabriel Loh's spectacular visuals, and the band's impeccably tight musicianship. Featuring a couple of brand new songs, alongside older staples, this revitalised quartet deftly amalgamated math and prog rock with jazz and dub elements to bewitiching effect.
Comic Strip
Perhaps no other set exuded as much wholesome fun and joy as Comic Strip this year. The ska legends were in peak form, delivering an exuberant performance to a jam-packed outdoor audience that skanked, danced and hollered their hearts out through every minute of their wonderfully upbeat outing.
Blood Pact, Caracal & 7nightsatsea
Blood Pact's first show in 5 years featured the band's dancier post-punk direction, while post-hardcore veterans Caracal won over many with powerful renditions of new material from their recently released album Effigies. Post-rock outfit 7nightsatsea generated similar buzz for their dynamic and immersive set.
Budding Bands & Other Highlights
The diverse crop of fresh talent that emerged from Baybeats's annual Budding Bands programme were universally stellar this year. From the technical death metal of Heaven Brought Me Hell and the indie/alternative anthems of Maneloren, to the psychedelic soundscapes of Sindo and the garage rock of The Storms Upon Us - these 4 bands made the most of their opportunity on the biggest stage of their young careers. Other notable acts such as Fader, Terrestrea, Darah, Tell Lie Vision, monda(e) and deførmed certainly impressed as well.
