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MADELINE GRESSEL

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Chthonic
Taiwan has a thriving metal scene? Who knew that? Chthonic, meaning "relating to the underworld", was formed in Taipei in 1995. Their sound is distinguished from Western counterparts by the inclusion of the erhu, which they use to create a noise like a razor's edge, and classical Chinese influences. If the usual mash-up of indie-electro-pop feels flimsy, Chthonic may be for you.
 
Mogwai 

Over the past 17 years, Scottish post-rock veterans Mogwai (left) have perfected the art of the moody guitar instrumental. Their albums, including this year's solid  Rave Tapes, range from elemental rage to sombre contemplation. Their best new stuff is the quiet score to French television drama  Les  Revenants, but their Clockenflap set will more likely lean towards the thunderous. This marks their first appearance in Hong Kong since 2011.
 
The Vaccines

This British synth-pop outfit hit it big with their 2012 release,  Come of Age, which reached the top of the British charts and earned them comparisons to The Jesus and Mary Chain and The Ramones. For fun, jangly rock'n'roll that's sure to devolve into a dance party, The Vaccines set will be a good bet on the night.
 
Chvrches

Without a doubt, this Scottish trio was among 2013's best breakout bands. Their gorgeous debut album The Bones of What You Believe won the hearts of critics and fans around the world. Melding the hyperbolic energy of Passion Pit with the dark edges of M83, Chvrches are sure to have one of the festival's most exciting sets. 
 
The Raveonettes

The Danish indie duo garnered rave reviews for their new album, Pe'ahi this year. Taking their cue from 1960s New York outfit The Velvet Underground, The Raveonettes combine the simple melodies of the '50s with rich, layered soundscapes of '70s rock'n'roll.
 
Noughts & Exes 
With all these overseas bands taking the stage, Clockenflap's Friday night looks like it is going to need a heavy dose of homegrown talent to balance it out. That band may just be Noughts & Exes. They have a pleasing symmetry: three women, three men; two expats, two locals, two "third-culture kids". Their latest album was gentle and introspective, bolstered by a big-band sound reminiscent of Arcade Fire, The National and The Head and the Heart.
 
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Travis

A late addition to the line-up, Travis are a surefire crowd pleaser.  In 1997, the alternative Glasgow-based band stormed the British charts with their debut album,  Good Feeling.  Smash hits such as  Why Does it Always Rain on Me? and  Sing have guaranteed them a place in the annals of pop history. Their set will appeal to anyone feeling nostalgic or just wanting to feel good.
 
Kool & The Gang

Originally formed in 1964 in New Jersey, the band have sold 70 million albums and influenced three generations of musicians with their mix of  jazz, R&B, soul, funk and disco. Hongkongers may remember them from hits such as  Celebration and  Cherish. Bring the kids and get them schooled, old-school style. 
 
Ozomatli

Ozomatli are a blast in concert. The LA-based Latin jam band know how to bring the party with their jubilant mix of salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, and hip hop. They are a diverse seven-man band that began as part of a cultural centre in an abandoned warehouse and grew into a cultural force, a workers' movement, a mission for change and a group of truly talented and passionate musicians. Not to be missed.
 
Nightmares on Wax

Nightmares on Wax is the stage name of George Evelyn (far left), the Leeds-based electronic DJ best known for his candyfloss creations such as Smokers Delight. A denizen of Warp Records, the label that produced Aphex Twin and Boards of Canada in the 1990s, Evelyn was in the vanguard of musicians exploring the (now commonplace) intersection of electronica and hip hop.
 
Dan Deacon

Like Animal Collective, American Dan Deacon's tracks have the ebullient energy of a toddler at a keyboard. You might not guess he's a classically trained composer. On his latest album,  Bromst, he widened his instrumental array beyond electronic noise to include the marimba, glockenspiel and vibraphone. Deacon's performances are intimate affairs — drawing spectators into a close collective frenzy, like friends at a fun party.
 
Aeroplane

Vito de Luca, better known as Aeroplane, took off with his 2010 hit remix,  Paris. The Belgian DJ has thrilled the crowds at Kee Club with great sets, spinning a mix of French house, Balearic trance, and nu-disco. For anyone who wants to bliss out and feel the beats, this is the set for you.
 
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Tenacious D

Say what? Tenacious D at Clockenflap? That means the festival has made it big. Jack Black and Kyle Gass have become world conquerors and true rock guardians since Tenacious D were born in 1997. Is it comedy? Are they the best rock band in history? Who cares? It's glorious. Be there or be square.
 
The Lemonheads

Evan Griffith Dando (above) formed The Lemonheads with two high school friends in Boston in 1986. Their evolution from hardcore punk rockers to teenage heartthrobs in Australia is one of the strangest sagas in alternative music. And 30 years later, the band is still going strong. Perhaps best known for their cover of Simon and Garfunkel's  Mrs Robinson, The Lemonheads are a welcome blast from the past.
 
Deserts Xuan

The daughter of a prominent Taiwanese official, Deserts Xuan has always gone against the grain. Through nearly a decade signed to major labels, the young songwriter has developed a powerful voice and the versatility to carry simple melodies and raucous experimentation. She easily straddles grunge-pop and country, establishing her own eclectic style.
 
Nitin Sawhney

This versatile composer, producer and musician made a name for himself creating gorgeous film scores that meld classical Indian and Western music with a modern touch. He has worked with artists as diverse as Shakira, Sting, Imogen Heap and Paul McCartney, but his solo work is beautiful and mysterious in its own right.
 
Dopplereffekt

Anyone who has ever experienced the approach of an ambulance siren knows about the Doppler effect. Equally astonishing is the aural distortion of Dopplereffekt, a US outfit who have been active in the electro scene since 1995. Their sound is distinctively experimental, taking a modern approach to classic electro. Not for the faint of heart.
 
LTJ Bukem

No festival nowadays comes without the requisite dose of drum 'n' bass. LTJ Bukem is the stage name of British producer and DJ Danny Williamson, whose gentle drum 'n' bass confections are sure to transport you to a higher plane. He will be bringing the festival's Electriq stage to an explosive climax on Sunday night.
 
FESTIVAL ETIQUETTE
DO

Come early and catch the warm-up acts and bands you've never heard of — it's not all about big names.
Try to make a full weekend out of it — soak up the full festival spirit.
Come with a good crew — festivals are the most fun with close friends.
Make time for the film and arts attractions — there's more than just music.

DON'T

Get too upset if an act is cancelled — this happens all the time at festivals.
Throw your rubbish on the ground and help the organisers keep the site tidy.
Forget to pace yourself — go too hard too early and you may miss the headliners.
Come in high heels or flip-flops — dress appropriately for safety and comfort.
Overdo it with the selfies and group shots — try to live in the moment.

 
WHAT TO BRING
Raincoat or poncho: you just never know
Enough cash: there are no ATMs on site
Old shoes: preferably ones you won't mind getting trashed
The kids: there'll be plenty of fun for the little ones
blanket or plastic sheet: for chilling out on the grass
Warm clothing: it gets chilly at night on the waterfront
 


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Chthonic

friday on my mind: (clockwise from top) Chthonic; The Vaccines; The Raveonettes; Chvrches.

Saturday Night Live: (from far left) Travis; graphic for Aeroplane; Kool &amp; the Gang; Dan Deacon; Ozomatli; Dan Deacon.

Sunday best: (clockwise from above) LTJ Bukem; Evan Dando of The Lemonheads; Dopplereffekt; Tenacious D; Nitin Sawhney; Deserts Xuan.

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