Since late 1999, B-Quartet has been wandering. The band disregards genres and conventions in search for the
proper musical language to express the ideals which they hold dear to their hearts. The language conveyed isn't
about being unconventional but about challenging conventions varying from songwriting to delivery.
Being winners of the 2002 Yamaha Asian Beat band competition, B-Quartet is made up of two pairs of brothers who happen to be cousins as well. They blend jazz, folk and rock into a blindingly tight set, reflecting
their eclectic tastes in music. Playing with a telepathic ability, their technical prowess on their instruments and
their exquisite vocal harmonies have enchanted and mesmerized audiences, winning them fans everywhere they
go.
With the release of their 2nd album conformity has replaced consciousness, the band has incorporated 2 previous sessionists into the
fold. In spite of becoming a 6-piece act, B-Quartet has retained its moniker.
Discography
The Smitten Bard (AYRCD-01): August 2005
Recorded at MYX Studio by Reghu and mastered at 301 Mastering, Syndey, Australia by Stephen Smart, the debut EP showcases the band's love for progressive rock and funk-rock.
The track listing is as follows:
1)-
2)Dancing In Mind
3)Table 62
4)Alphanumeric
5)Dry Rain
Tomorrow Is Our Permanent Address (AYRCD-04): January 2008
Recorded at Snakeweed Acoustic Lab by Leonard Soosay and mastered at Scott Hull Mastering, NYC, USA by Scott Hull, the album is a collection of songs which blends the dynamic live performance of the band along with its experimental edge. Incorporating electronic elements into their usual mish-mash of jazz, alternative rock and pop, B-Quartet adds a different flavour in their already-eclectic style of musicianship.
Named after an e. e. cummings poem, Tomorrow Is Our Permanent Address is released in January 2008. Emotive and cerebral, their debut full-length outing promises an all-out aural assault, leaving the listener craving for more. The album represents the direction the band is currently taking: a stronger emphasis on song craft over instrumental pyrotechnics. For Tomorrow Is Our Permanent Address, the band blends principal songwriter Bani Haykal’s poetry with its love for soft-loud dynamics and sharply tuned melodies.
The track listing is as follows:
1)When Mathematics Fail
2)Shoebox
3)Personal Space
4)Disp rs
5)Alphanumeric
6)Not An Inkblot
7)Stupid Luxury
8)Boutique
9)Kleptomania
10)Beautiful Crash
Bonus tracks:
11)Lullaby
42)Fireplace
conformity has replaced consciousness (AYRCD-10): April 2010
B-Quartet's conformity has replaced consciousness sees the rock band taking a different approach to their trademark
sound. Eschewing the electronic elements and synthesizers used in their debut LP, they opt for a more organic
and mellow sound for the second offering. While the signature bombastic rock tunes might be stripped down,
they form the overall sombre and dark mood of the album.
Recorded at Snakeweed Studio by Leonard Soosay and mastered at Peerless Mastering, Boston, USA by Jeff
Lipton, the album is a light discourse on matters like modern culture, consumerism, anarchy, identity of self and
dogmas. And this ties in with music, popular music and its culture, in particular. The new work here is based on
several research material including the history of jazz and music as an absolute form of expression.
conformity has replaced consciousness, which is a phrase taken off a lecture by German social philosopher Theodor
Adorno, will be released in early April 2010.
The track listing is as follows:
1) an ontoduction
2) this dull taste on my tongue
3) bad dialogues
4) composition 4
5) question problem
6) hypermarathon
7) composition 3
8) still homeless
9) cellardoor
10) intermission for peanuts
11) sleepy lanterns
12) we vacate
13) researchers
The album can be found at Books Actually, Gramophone, The Esplanade Shop and Roxy Records.