What do DKNY and Flights Of Fancy? Wait a minute DKNY is a fashion brand right? Flights of Fancy sounds like a play scheduled at Broadway isn't it? Oh no, you're mightily mistakened. They are featured tracks off West Grand Boulevard's new album - Life, Love and A Loss for Better Words.
I reported for the album launch with a faithful fan of WGB on that day itself. I remember it was humid and sweltering en route to the place but it wasn't something The Substation couldn't fix. I was there in advance and apparently, the acoustics and small-sized of the Substation were proving to be quite a headache for the sound engineers. Turned out the drums were constantly overpowering the rest of the other instruments. The launch was scheduled to be at 7 but all that tinkering with the setting up of equipment led to a massive build-up just outside the Substation and it commenced only at 8.
West Grand Boulevard is a lineup boasting of five fellas Bryan, Erik, Jude, Dharma and Syed. Having journeyed throughout the scene for more than 6 years and have gone through changes in line-up (notably with Singapore finalist Daphne Khoo deputising on vocals on their first album), the album (with original singer Bryan) was overdue.
Indeed, it is heartening to know that there are true blue fans of our local bands out there and the scene could do with a lift like that anyday. Amterible, an up-coming local punk rock band opened for West Grand Boulevard at the album launch. It must be said that even though they were "warm up act", being able to open for the headlining act is indicative - It takes something to be an opening act, no one wants a party pooper. Amterible were everything of that and would be worth keeping out an eye for as they are bent on keeping punk rock alive in Singapore.
The night belong to West Grand Boulevard though. The fan energy levels surged through the roof when the quintet made their much long-waited appearance on stage, with Dharma doing his utmost to calm the crowd. When Bryan and the band came on, they were met with applause and whistles from the crowd. And they delivered. Sarah Wee from 53A and Claire Goh also featured in a couple of their songs and helped to complement with supporting keyboard and violin melodies.
For fans that have followed them throughout the years, it was a night of nostalgia that probably will remained etched in their minds for a long time to come. Years of work, sticking together, sailing through times of changes in line-up and aspiring to put together an album have finally bore fruit! After the set ended, the crowd refused to let them go away without doing an encore. And there were certainly no surprises - I found out in the best way possible that their album was sold out at the launch - I ended up with the last available copy!
Take a bow, West Grand Boulevard.
For fans that have followed them throughout the years, it was a night of nostalgia that probably will remained etched in their minds for a long time to come. Years of work, sticking together, sailing through times of changes in line-up and aspiring to put together an album have finally bore fruit! After the set ended, the crowd refused to let them go away without doing an encore. And there were certainly no surprises - I found out in the best way possible that their album was sold out at the launch - I ended up with the last available copy!
And I manage to catch Bryan for an interview while the band members were still high on adrenaline while signing autographs and posing for pictures with the fans. Check out the interview I had with the frontman of WGB, Bryan Gamboa below.
The launch is officially over and we're sitting backstage with Bryan right now! Bryan would you tell us how you're feeling now?
Bryan: I'm feeling really tired right now, bro! (in his radio DJ-perfect voice) It's been awhile since we did a full out 45min set but this one was really special. I feel kind of relieved that this thing has finally come together and the album's finally out!
How long did it take you guys to make the album?
Bryan: It took about six years (breaks into a laugh). This is technically West Grand's second album because the first had Daphne Khoo from Singapore Idol in it. I was still doing my National Service and she filled in for West Grand for a temporary stint. After that I came back, the album's finally out!
Walk us through the making of the album. What was like it for you guys?
Bryan: It's never easy from the start and we had to work very hard to pull through. There were many ups and downs and a lot of people dont always see eye-to-eye even within the band. We all compromise and it's like having a relationship with 5 other guys. It's the same thing that applies when you're in a relationship with a girl! (with a tinge of cheekiness)
Would you tell us a little about your personal self?
Bryan: My name is Bryan Gamboa, lead vocalist for West Grand Boulevard. Outside of music, I'm a fashion show producer. I cook as well every now and then, cause' I used to be a chef as well.
Where's the next step/stage for WGB after this second album launch? Touring perhaps?
Bryan: We're hoping to take this album regionally now that we physically have the album out and hopefully we'll get to start in the Phillipines again cos' we really enjoyed ourselves back then 3 years ago. Definitely get yourselves a copy of our album and thank you so much for supporting us!
"After hearing Flights of Fancy half a decade ago, each and every time I visited HMV, Gramophone, That CD or Sembawang Music, I just couldn't help gazing at the albums listed under "W" - hoping and waiting. Till now. Guess great things are worth waiting for." - rKnonem, Youtube
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