Everybody was in love with Love Me Butch on Day 2 of Baybeats

From its humble beginnings in the mid-2000s, Baybeats, Singapore's free annual music festival, has now become one of South East Asia's milestone events that champions homegrown as well as regional and international talent.

Kicking things off on the evening of Day 2 were local boys Suicide Solution at the Arena (Outdoor Theatre). Old school metal riffage and hair whips set sparks flying as lead singer and guitarist Joe Suicide led his band through some raucous antics. Flawed Element were up next at the Powerhouse stage at 6.30pm. Down-tuned guitars took over as nu metal vibes were let loose. Lead vocals Joe Chahal busted his chops with favourable results, proving that the Baybeats audition bands were all out to kick some ass this year.

Suspense was in the air when In Each Hand A Cutlass took to the Arena stage. The supergroup consisting of rock veterans Daniel Sassoon and Roland Lim, among other notable band members, cast sonic hypnotic rhythms with the fine debut of anthemic wonder 'Glaciers'. The crowd surrounding them relished their combined showmanship and ability, and it has to be said that these fine gents could do no wrong.

Heading into the internal realm of the Esplanade, the air of anticipation was building among the crowd gathered at the Chillout Stage (Concourse), and for good measure. Better known as the lead vocalist for indie stalwarts Fountains of Wayne, Chris Collingwood emerged nondescript and without any big airs, and launched into his solo acoustic set with the classic 'A Fine Day For A Parade'. Unfortunately his set was dampened by the perpetual in-house announcements made by the Esplanade all throughout his repertoire, which was quite infuriating. Still, these did nothing to deter the veteran folk legend as he championed on without a care. Later on at the outdoor Arena stage, Collingwood redeemed himself with a reverent delivery of songs together with his backing band, opening up a whole can of Fountains of Wayne back catalogue, which rendered a word-for-word sing-along from die-hard fans.

Also performing at the Arena were The Marilyns from Singapore. Catchy and accessible, their infectious tunes swept over the sizeable crowd gathered. They also debuted a new song called 'Heartland Hero', which is dedicated to the plight of foreign migrant workers in Singapore. Choice single 'Don't Leave Me Sunshine', which currently has a video in the works, showcased the promising talent that these young'uns possess. Definitely one of the bands to watch out for.

Absolutely on game were Meza Virs, who can honestly lay claim to being the heaviest act ever to be featured on the Baybeats bill. Evidenced by the large following gathered, it was about freaking time Baybeats gave some love to metal on the main stage. Gothic brocaded capes, bondage-clad vixens and white foundation galore did not diminish the musicianship or appear too gimmicky, as duelling guitars and pounding drums sent the moshpit into a frenzy. A nice surprise came in the form of Meza Virs' cover of The Cure's 'Love Song'. Let's hope Baybeats 2010 will showcase even more metal acts of the same top-notch headbanging quality.

Soon it was time for the must-see crowd-puller of the night and Baybeats royalty Love Me Butch from Malaysia. Lead singer Syarul Reza, who seems to resemble the Deftones' Chino Moreno year by year, busted lung power left, right and centre as he launched into new tunes (we were soon told that a new album is in the works) as well as favourites like 'Barricade' and 'Hollywood Holiday'. Socially conscious new tune 'Generation X' set the moshpit off like never before and later, replacement drummer (for the time being) "Ah Pek" got much love from the crowd upon introduction. All too soon it was time for the epic finale, and much to the surprise and celebration of all present, Matt Lim from Singapore's A Vacant Affair joined the band to deliver an absolutely epic version of 'Reconcile', which will not soon be forgotten.

Closing off the night at the Powerhouse stage were veterans of the local performing circuit (23 years of life on the road/stage) Opposition Party. Unfortunately, they were met with a mixed reception. In the eyes of the Baybeats crowd, the main acts to see for Day 2 were long gone and the crowd soon thinned out, leaving mostly hangers-on and Esplanade frolickers. Although OP's thrash metal vibe was blistering enough, the leftover audience did little to show their enthusiasm, with neither a crowd surfer nor devil horn to be seen for the rest of the band's set. Maybe it was way past their bedtime.

WORDS SHONA-MARIE PHOTOS BUM ARIFFIN & REUVEN TAN

Further reading:
Baybeats Day 1
Baybeats Day 3

Check our gallery for more pics from Baybeats!