KASA, the versatile frontman of Soul of Ears, Kabaaneko, and the popular local rock band Seasons For Change, has dropped his first solo album. If you’ve followed KASA’s journey, you know he’s got a solid pop-punk and rock background with a lengthy discography. But this solo venture is where things get exciting and something you don’t want to miss.
What really makes this album stand out is KASA’s fresh approach. He mixes things up by incorporating different languages, collaborating with different artists, and even throwing in some remix versions. While this may not be groundbreaking on a global scale, it’s surely something quite new for Hong Kong’s music scene. It’s exciting to see KASA breaking boundaries and adding some new flavors to the local soundscape.
Basically, there are 5 songs in this album, but KASA made 3 more versions of some of his songs by including a Japanese, Tagalog, and even a Cantonese version in which he collaborated with Martin Lau. Take the Japanese remix of “Clocks,” for instance. While it sticks to the original melody of its English counterpart, it brings a whole new vibe to the table. The English version channels some serious Seasons For Change energy—think rock meets pop-punk, similar to All Time Low or early One Ok Rock. But the Japanese version? It can totally be an anime opening. It’s got that youthful, energizing feel that would perfectly set the scene for most animes. In the Tagalog version, Ating Huling Hulyo, KASA also keeps the chorus in English, adding depth and making it stand out more rather than being “one of those slower songs in a pop punk album” kind of track. It’s a refreshing twist that’s fun to listen to. Meanwhile, the Cantonese version of “Stronger” is an unexpected and surprising gem. Both versions are definitely worth a listen!
The remix versions offer a fresh vibe and new perspective, bringing particular attention to “Clocks” and “Stronger,” which are clearly the two main tracks due to the presence of three unique versions. These remixes have a lively and energetic feel, with strong bass lines while still preserving key elements from the original compositions, such as the guitar riffs and drum patterns. A substantial number of artists are embracing the trend of producing remixed versions of their songs globally, and KASA was definitely hopping on this hot trend. This approach provides listeners with a more dynamic and “dancy” experience. In this album, KASA aimed to achieve a similar effect with his remixes, in which he did a great job of successfully transforming the songs while keeping their essence intact and enhancing their listening experience.
– Matt Lam
Listen to My Pocket Dimension now.
