Formed in what seems like an eternity, Opposition Party are Singapore’s first punk band (and judging by their name, the anarchy symbol in their logo is not mere coincidence). Led by frontman Francis Frightful, Opposition Party dabbled in thrash metal in the 90s, but have now reverted back to old skool hardcore punk with a distinctive sound of their own. Their 2005 album Zombified can still be found in record stores. Opposition Party will play at the Powerhouse Stage on day two of Baybeats '09, 29 August 2009.
What are you working on at the moment?
Currently working on some new stuff for our next album, which might be due out next year. We might play a couple of new tracks at Baybeats. In the meantime, Opposition Party will probably turn up in a couple of splits and some compilations.
Do you think your music is as relevant now as it was back in the 80s?
Never really gave relevancy any thought. We just keep doing our sh*t and along the way, witnessed punk coming and going and coming and going again. Same with thrash metal: it came and went and now it's all the rage again. Depending on when and who are looking at us, we could be the most relevant thing at that moment. Or not.
If zombies took over your city, how would you defend yourself?
Society is practically run by zombies. But if you mean movie zombies, then I guess we’d be in deep shit, ‘cause where the hell are we gonna get our hands on shotguns for some old-fashioned head-blowing?!
Are Opposition Party considered part of the establishment now, since you’ve been around for a long time?
I don't think we’ll ever be considered a part of the establishment.
Here's Opposition Party doing some snarling live in London (vid by Tirinaar):
WORDS JASON PHOTOS THE ESPLANADE CO LTD
www.oppositionparty.tk
*Taken from Junk's July 2009 issue. Click HERE for more details on Baybeats '09, and on these links: Baybeats '09 t-shirt comp, the Festival Village, as well as interviews with Chris Collingwood, Ally Kerr, RNRM and In Each Hand A Cutlass!