White kids on guitars? It’s getting kind of tired, guys.
Thankfully there’s a new wave of all-Asian heavy rock taking shape in Vancouver that’s bringing a bit more diversity to the scene.
It’s led by Cry of Silence, a four-piece started by Chinese-Canadian Ed Lam around 10 years ago. The all-Asian lineup wasn’t intentional, but came about around 2009 after some personnel changes.
“People came up to me and said this is a neat concept… I’ve never seen an all-Asian band rock out hard like this,” says Lam, who fronts the band on vocals, guitar and keyboards.
“Many people thought it was a great idea to inspire the Asian demographic that way.”
Lam says the reason there hasn’t been more Asian rock groups is mostly cultural, with the concept of playing live on stage not being that traditional. With few Asian touchstones, it’s notable that Cry of Silence draws its influences from U.S. rock of the 1990s, with the grunge menace of Alice in Chains and Stone Temple Pilots and some spiky Green Day punk-isms all apparent.
But Lam hints at the notion that many Asian-fronted bands are overlooked in Canada and the U.S.
“We have a really huge Asian population in Vancouver, but at all the festivals and shows that happen around Vancouver and I find there’s not enough players out there in terms of Asian representation,” he says.
Cry of Silence are doing their part to turn that around, having put on shows with a strong Asian presence, including one with Portland, Ore.’s The Slants last year.
This Friday sees an all-Asian affair at 333 on Clark Drive, with the all-Filipino It Ends With Us and Taiwanese punksters Cras supporting Lam’s band, which also features Isaac Feng (lead guitar) and Ed Naoe (drums, sometimes switching places with his twin brother Emerson).
In common with many of their other shows it’ll be a themed costume night, with gig-goers encouraged to dress up in something sports related. There’ll be prizes for the best outfit.
“You want to give people a reason to come,” Lam says. “…Thousands of shows can happen, but what makes your show stand out?”
• Cry of Silence performs with Cras and It Ends With Us Friday, Aug. 11, at 8 p.m. at 333. $10 (all ages show)
