Let's get this out of the way first — no, that sultry voice behind Rhye does not belong to a female.
Instead, those who weren't in the know were surprised to see a slender man by the name of Mike Milosh take to the stage on Wednesday night at TAB as he crooned that super-sensual voice of his with the rest of the band in Rhye's debut show in Singapore, thanks to the folks at The Gathering.
A collaboration between Milosh and Danish multi-instrumentalist Robin Hannibal, the music of Rhye is a complete aural treat, putting a distinctly modern twist on R&B filled with lush, sensual textures, Milosh's soft yet solid pipes and incredibly soothing electronic tones. In other words, it's music you make sweet love to, damn it.
Even though their critically acclaimed debut album Woman was released three years ago, their tour is still in session, unfailing in performing music that moves, each vibration in its falsetto intended to ignite heart-tugging responses.
On the record, Milosh’s mellow voice dictates the movement in the direct foreground while Hannibal’s deft touches on the keyboards adds heart into the soul-pop collaboration. On their live appearance at TAB however, Milosh doesn’t defer for most parts, they ponder and mull things over, moving carefully around a musical circumference instead of an arrow going straight for its target.
In ‘Last Dance’, even though Milosh plants a perfectly tuned contralto vocals, the usual emphasis on his androgynous voice was slightly withdrawn, with an overhead spotlight directing it on the six-man team onstage. Their alliance, much like a fraternity, was conceivable with the distinct and different personalities; each member had a point to demonstrate, with the trombone taking centre stage at one point.
However, there was much confusion at the vibe given off in the intervals, in ‘3 Days’, Milosh picks a pair of mallet drumsticks and continually hacks at his mini set up creating a minute of discomposure and turbulence amidst the gentle rocking. The crowd encourages in exhilaration at the sudden burst of energy regardless of how disparate it sounds, but with the next track receiving similar touches, they take a step back from being buoyed by the grungy empowering synth keys before being lulled back into the metallic sounds of the violin.
This pleasantly surprising dynamic consistently carried on for the whole set — interludes of free-jazz, funk and post-rock-esque soundscapes frequently make it into their live set, a far cry from the straightforward alt-R&B on the records. Robin Hannibal in particular looked completely taken in the sweet throes of sonic passion as he soloed through synth sections.
At the end of it all however, the band took a turn from their own page with Milosh's 'It's Over', turning his electronic ditty into a supremely gorgeous acoustic number. Repeatedly singing the words "it's over", the group faded away their five-part harmony into the perfectly still air, leaving the audience as awestruck as they were the first time they ever made love.
Text: Darren Ng
Photos: Dominic Phua / The Gathering
Let's get this out of the way first — no, that sultry voice behind Rhye does not belong to a female.
Instead, those who weren't in the know were surprised to see a slender man by the name of Mike Milosh take to the stage on Wednesday night at TAB as he crooned that super-sensual voice of his with the rest of the band in Rhye's debut show in Singapore, thanks to the folks at The Gathering.
A collaboration between Milosh and Danish multi-instrumentalist Robin Hannibal, the music of Rhye is a complete aural treat, putting a distinctly modern twist on R&B filled with lush, sensual textures, Milosh's soft yet solid pipes and incredibly soothing electronic tones. In other words, it's music you make sweet love to, damn it.
Even though their critically acclaimed debut album Woman was released three years ago, their tour is still in session, unfailing in performing music that moves, each vibration in its falsetto intended to ignite heart-tugging responses.
On the record, Milosh’s mellow voice dictates the movement in the direct foreground while Hannibal’s deft touches on the keyboards adds heart into the soul-pop collaboration. On their live appearance at TAB however, Milosh doesn’t defer for most parts, they ponder and mull things over, moving carefully around a musical circumference instead of an arrow going straight for its target.
In ‘Last Dance’, even though Milosh plants a perfectly tuned contralto vocals, the usual emphasis on his androgynous voice was slightly withdrawn, with an overhead spotlight directing it on the six-man team onstage. Their alliance, much like a fraternity, was conceivable with the distinct and different personalities; each member had a point to demonstrate, with the trombone taking centre stage at one point.
However, there was much confusion at the vibe given off in the intervals, in ‘3 Days’, Milosh picks a pair of mallet drumsticks and continually hacks at his mini set up creating a minute of discomposure and turbulence amidst the gentle rocking. The crowd encourages in exhilaration at the sudden burst of energy regardless of how disparate it sounds, but with the next track receiving similar touches, they take a step back from being buoyed by the grungy empowering synth keys before being lulled back into the metallic sounds of the violin.
This pleasantly surprising dynamic consistently carried on for the whole set — interludes of free-jazz, funk and post-rock-esque soundscapes frequently make it into their live set, a far cry from the straightforward alt-R&B on the records. Robin Hannibal in particular looked completely taken in the sweet throes of sonic passion as he soloed through synth sections.
At the end of it all however, the band took a turn from their own page with Milosh's 'It's Over', turning his electronic ditty into a supremely gorgeous acoustic number. Repeatedly singing the words "it's over", the group faded away their five-part harmony into the perfectly still air, leaving the audience as awestruck as they were the first time they ever made love.
Text: Darren Ng
Photos: Dominic Phua / The Gathering