Dawn
Dawn Wong

Tong's Music
Lin Si Tong

A singer’s first release is a calling card to the world and, happily, both Dawn Wong and Lin Si Tong’s debut efforts show promise.
Wong’s eponymous EP has a clearer identity as she offers hopeful and positive songs that draw on genres from pop to jazz.
The perky whimsy of The Perfect Two (Stuck Like Glue) makes it the perfect wedding song for that retro-cool couple you know. And it kicks off the record on a bright note. Play it a few times and it will soon stick like, well, you know. It has a sweetness tempered by humour and I prefer that to the more conventionally sugary Ring Finger.
She goes on to demonstrate some range in her choice of material which highlights her distinctively clear and high-pitched voice.
Just Because is an upbeat and uplifting track with inspirational lyrics: “Because I have dreams, all my decisions are worth it.”
And final number Revision is a tender ballad about having that special someone in one’s life.
Lin, too, shows some versatility on her EP.
Childhood Memories strikes a note of pleasant nostalgia, though for some reason, it reminds me of Taiwanese singer Claire Kuo’s Singing In The Trees.
With the following number, Contrast, she shows a more rebellious side: “So I’m not as ignorant or quiet as they say/Actually I want to break free of that life and head to some corner.”
Lyrically, Lin needs to take note of her choice of words as, on occasion, her diction and phrasing can feel a little stiff.
On the whole, she has a good grasp of the pop idiom in her compositions such as ballad Uncoordinated Love and mid-tempo number Best Demonstration with their catchy hooks and relatable sentiments.
Most importantly, both Lin and Wong interest one enough to want to hear more.
(ST)