Dreamer

Peter Pan

Set Meal For Three

Mi Lu Bing

Manic Pixie Dream Girl

1976

Play n Fun [1+1]

Genie Chuo

There is an understated homespun vibe to Peter Pan’s full-length debut that is really quite endearing. It could be due to the fact that the lyrics for all 10 songs are by veteran lyricist Daryl Yao, lending the album a cohesive feel.

The first plug, The Thing I Want To Do Most, is already a chart-topper here. Pan tugs gently at the heartstrings when he croons, “If thunderstorms rage in your heart, then I’ll turn into an umbrella”. Admittedly, that sounds better in Mandarin.

The One Million Star alumnus has smartly made use of his connection to the reality competition TV show as the song was composed and produced by resident judge Kay Huang.

There is no escape from the de rigueur duet but the harmonica-backed Mandarin/Minnan Happy Times with Ring Xu shows the tired format still has life in it when done with a little imagination.

Mi Lu Bing’s third album is a very different proposition but is happily also a cohesive effort, one that centres on the theme of food.

The trio wrote most of the music and kick things off with the youthful optimism of Swallow The Universe. From lines such as “Put your dreams in your left hand/Shout out loud if you’re unhappy/Use my voice to stun the planet”, it is clear that the boys are still hungry for success.

The rock stylings suit lead vocalist Nic Lee’s slightly gruff voice but a slow-burn recipe of Swallow The Universe paired with a different set of lyrics work as well.

On their sixth album, indie Taiwanese band 1976 serve up a melancholic helping of synth-pop that references the seminal British group The Smiths.

While the attempt to try something different is appreciated, the record needs greater variety in sound for tracks to stand out more. But their gutsy attitude – summed up by “There’s a youth with a defiant look/He once was me, he still is me” – is to be cheered.

Better gutsy than cutesy as Genie Chuo tries to look younger with each release. This best-of collection includes past hits Vanilla Lover and Castle Of Love along with six new songs.

There is a place for bubbly throwaway pop such as By Your Side but Chuo shows herself up on the English duet Especially For You with Leon Williams with cringeworthy enunciation.

Maybe this Genie needs to go back into the bottle.

(ST)