The Observatory

The Observatory - a name that seemingly implies passive objectivity, but which really describes a band whose musical output is an impassioned response to the society it is enmeshed in, a society divided, a society in tumult -- where new forms of oppression must be actively met with new strategies for resistance. The heart and soul of The Observatory is in its constant reinvention. With each release, the members have persisted in their experimental take on the pop songform. In 12 years, the band has gone from folk electronica to prog to avant rock, to approaching a more primal sound in recent years, evident in their fifth album, 'Catacombs' -- a study in delusion, insanity and obsession, and a voice of social conscience. The Observatory’s music is texturally complex and viscerally emotional, crossing wasted borders and musical extremities that parallel polarities within human existence, lyrically provoking and inspiring in a deeply enigmatic way. The members are huge music fans. The gang of five draw inspiration from their Southeast Asian roots and contemporary heroes of new music and art. Fusing a wide mix of influences, their sound is a stirring concoction of potent and powerful extremes. Current line up (end 2014) : Vivian Wang (Synths, Keys, Various), Leslie Low (Vocal, Guitar, Drums), Cheryl Ong (Drums, Percussions), Yuen Chee Wai (Synth, Electronics)