Second Round
Mayday
Mayday fans have doomsday theorists to thank for the band’s eighth album.
Whether you believe or not in the apocalypse said to be upon us this year, because of the end of the ancient Mayan calendar, it has inspired the Taiwanese rockers on their latest release.
Not quite sure what to make of the prediction, the band have released two versions of the album, with different artwork and track sequences.
The Now Here version ends with OAOA (Now Is Forever) – OAOA being a baby’s cry and pointing to a hopeful future. The darker No Where version ends with a warning in the form of the track Some Things If We Don’t Do Now We’ll Never Do.
This mouthful of a track is a definite standout and works as a contemplation on mortality and legacy.
Composed by band leader Monster, with lyrics by lead singer Ashin, the song urges: “Imagine your grandsons, granddaughters, their eyes shining bright/Waiting for you to open your mouth, waiting for you to speak of your most glorious adventure”.
Noah’s Ark is a more direct response to the world ending as Ashin questions: “If you have to say goodbye, if you have to say goodbye to everything/If you could make just one call, who would you call”.
Starry Starry Night, meanwhile, is a classic Mayday-style ballad with poignant lyrics and a soaring chorus: “That year we gazed at the starry night, there were so many glittery dreams/Thought happiness would last forever, like the unchanging starry night accompanying me”.
Be it eternity or finality, Mayday want to be there for you.

Dr. Q
Quack Wu
Then: One Million Star alumnus. Now: Dr. Q.
Taiwan’s Quack Wu, who was on the popular Taiwanese TV singing contest in 2007, ducks the ignoble fate of anonymity with his striking alter-ego.
With his gravity-defying coiffure and cheery get-ups, Dr. Q looks like a human cartoon.
And the song En Ma, an interjection, is on the right track with its playful retro vibe and colourful Minnan colloquialisms.
The other number that clearly belongs here is the light-hearted duet Wishes Convenience Store between Wu and female singer Shorty Yuan.
The rest of the album, alas, is a more conventional mix of ballads and uptempo material that feels out of sorts for Dr. Q.
This might have worked better as a concept EP than a muddled full-fledged album. As it is now, it is neither fish nor fowl.
(ST)