The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band [ CD : Planet Lam ]

“Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band’s new album is something special” Dan Snaith (Caribou/Daphni)

‘Exit Planet Lam’… provides that idyllic marriage of global ideas and local foundation as it balances organic percussion with minimal dub elements to stunning effect” Gilles Peterson BBC 6 Music/WWFM

The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band are set to release their second record ‘Planet Lam’ on 21st October 2016 via Studio Lam. The new record is the follow up to the band’s critically acclaimed 2014 LP ‘21st Century Molam’, described by The Guardian as “a rousing debut” in their four-star review.

Inspiration for the LP came from label co-owner Maft Sai’s club of the same name, a vibrant and unique live venue that has become a musical focal point for the city of Bangkok and thus, inevitably, had a large impact on the band. Late night jamming, copious amounts of homemade ya-dong, run-ins with the police, and the constant back-and-forth of creative ideas between like-minded local musicians and artists have all fed into the creative process, as well as regular sets from international artists and DJs such as Andrew Ashong, Miles Cleret, Rabih Beaini, Macka B, Awesome Tapes From Africa and Hugo Mendez, who have all passed through the city in the last two years.

Whilst molam is still the musical bedrock of their sound, the band found inspiration in a number of different groups while recording. The Stooges influenced the urgency and drive of ‘India Chia Muay’, whereas the ambient tones of Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe, as well as the quiet menace of Raime can be heard on ‘Exit Planet Lam’.

The record was produced in Bangkok in around five days, including rehearsal time, and mixed with Nick Manasseh in London. If tracks weren’t nailed in two or three takes, they’d move on to the next one, to keep the pace flowing. Some of the writing even took place in the studio spontaneously.

The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band have toured extensively over the past 2 years, recently completing 5 tours across Europe, as well as numerous dates around Asia. Highlights have included opening the West Holts stage at Glastonbury this year, Field Day, and Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Festival in 2015.

Paradise Bangkok are Kammao Perdtanon (Phin), Sawai Kaewsombat (Khaen), Piyanart Kradsiri Jotikasthira (Bass and guitar), Phusana Treeburut (Drums), Chris Menist (Percussion and electronics) and Maft Sai (Percussion).