Singaporean alternative rock band, Heir of Hounds, releases their much awaited debut EP, “Retrospect”, consisting of five tracks, two of which, features guest vocals from local acts, Gentle Bones and Dominic Tristan Tan from post- hardcore outfit, Villes. The concept of the EP revolves around the experience of reminiscence and reflection. “The tracks focus on the experience one has lived thus far, while looking back at past mistakes and setbacks in order to seek a better way to move forward.
The songs speaks of acceptance and forgiveness to oneself, thus offering a second chance at life, a new beginning away from bad experiences that has held the subject down,” Seran Yeo, the vocalist and guitarist of the band, explains. The three-piece band worked with Singapore’s music producer, Marlon Ingle of HPY AVE, who has produced for the likes of Villes of Zestone Records Japan, Make Them Suffer of Rise Records and Gentle Bones of Universal Music.
The first single, “Circles”, was released in late August 2015 accompanied with a lyric video featuring video highlights from their supporting show with American rock band, Our Last Night, during their Singapore stop of their Asia tour. “Circles” is based on the concept of life cycles. The reoccurring process of creation, destruction and re-creation. Life consists of good and bad memories that require you to destroy and rebuild. It could be an opportunity for a new start or a repeat of events that have since past. “The writer is feeling a need to break out from the current state of confusion so decides to destroy himself in hopes of rebuilding a better future as he is haunted by his past,” Yeo explains. The live video was filmed and directed by local cinematographer Nuqman Shaifuddin, from Set in Motion Media, and has since garnered over 1,700 views on YouTube.
“Skin” was Heir of Hounds’ second self-released single off “Retrospect”. Featuring one of Singapore’s most popular acts, Gentle Bones, the rock ballad track takes on a mellow approach, in contrast to the band's usual belting vocals accompanied with heavier instrumentals. The track is inspired by a romantic relationship that has strained itself longer than it should have. “The subject speaks about a long relationship that has reached its last stages yet still reminiscing the good memories from the past and is reluctant to let go,” Yeo explains.
The music video for “Skin” was filmed by Melbourne-based cinematographer Dillion Pearce and independent director Nick Kozakis whose film, “Plague”, topped the iTunes charts of most popular horror flicks less than 48 hours after its debut. Shot in Melbourne, Australia, it features strong emotive imagery which complements the soulful track perfectly, creating a visually powerful and heart-rending piece. The video is now available for streaming on Heir of Hounds’ YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/heirofhounds. Since its release, “Skin” has garnered over 4,200 views on YouTube and peaked at #2 on the iTunes Singapore Rock charts.
“Retrospect” is now available worldwide for free streaming and download on http://www.heirofhounds.bandcamp.com.
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