[CD REVIEW] Anodize (亞龍大) – Action Figures (1997)

The legendary band Anodize (亞龍大), has earned its reputation in Hong Kong as being one of the most prominent rock band since local legends Beyond.  Therefore, It may not be pure coincidence that guitarist and main songwriter 黃貫其 (K.K.) is the younger brother of the aforementioned groups lead guitarist 黃貫中 (Paul Wong).  Sonically, Anodize can easily be seen more or less as a Heavy Metal version of Beyond –– featuring bigger riffs, more soloing and attitude.  They were 1 out of the 3 most popular and respected bands (the other 2 being AMK, …Huh!?) in the local Hong Kong band scene of the 90’s, that all had a great influence on later Hong Kong bands and styles.

History lesson aside, the album in discussion is their third from 1997, and starts off on a good note with “陌生都市” (“Unfamiliar City”).  The song features an ominous arpeggio melody, good use of soft / loud dynamics, and appropriate lyrics.  Too bad the album doesn’t keep this momentum, and plods and chugs along familiar territory for the next few songs.  It is really hard to blame them though –– with there being less than a thriving band scene in Hong Kong during the time; probably did not offer a good breeding ground to be particularly musically competitive or challenging.  In light of this, it can be said that the band members definitely attempted to break out of the norm and try new things, tracks such as “閒情五點鐘” (“Relaxing at 5:00pm”) sport a Boss Nova groove and a jazzy solo, single “摰友” (“Best Friend”) has a nice melody, and might be the closest thing they’ve done to a ballad.  On “新聞報導” (“News Report”) they try to go for a trendier metal sound, but due to the incongruous nature with the band’s style leads to less than desirable results.

All in all, Anodize still has to be commended for their efforts on Action Figures.  With the album coming off as being an effort or exercise in the “expansion” of their signature Heavy Metal sound from previous albums 亞龍大 (Anodize) and 大車店 (Welcome to the Beijing Hotel).  Anodize would release 1 more album (4) before calling it quits, and semi re-grouping in the form of L.M.F.

陌生都市 | anodize

Recommended tracks: 01, 10

Track Listing:
01. 陌生都市 (Unfamiliar City)
02. 活受罪 (Living Nightmare)
03. 後路 (Back Alley)
04. 長大的地方 (Where We Grew Up)
05. 新聞報導 (News Report)
06. 讓我到盡頭 (Let me go to the Edge)
07. 摰友(Best Friend)
08. 童年 (Youthful Years)
09. 男與女 (Boys and Girls)
10. 閒情五點鐘 (Relaxing at 5:00pm)

Related posts:

1. Anodize (亞龍大)
2. [CD REVIEW] 肆伍 (Four Five) – (Self Titled) (2009)
3. [CD REVIEW] 秋紅 – Qiu Hong (2006)
4. [CD REVIEW] 張懸 (Deserts Chang) – 城市 (City) (2009)
5. [CD REVIEW] 戳麻 (Chock Ma) – Demo (2007)

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