Local Alternative-Shoegaze band, Saints Amongst Sinners, breaks moulds in the music scene by organically being themselves.
Story by Aida Yasmin | Photos by Saints Amongst Sinners, Emira Farihah & Aida Yasmin
Top (from Left to Right): Harist (Bassist), Zamir (Zam - Guitarist), Mateen (Matt - DJ/Sampler), Dominique (Dom - Guitarist), Martin (Drummer)
Bottom (from Left to Right): Mateen (Vocalist), Dayang (Day - Vocalist & Keytarist)
“We are not a bunch of people that fit in, but we just make a home wherever we go,” says Mateen, a vocalist with Saints Amongst Sinners.
From underground gigs in Singapore to performing in Indonesia alongside local bands Subsonic Eye and The Parallax Error, Saints Amongst Sinners launched their debut album titled ‘Y/OURS’ live at the Esplanade Concert Hall on 13 November this year.
With their growing fanbase through the past three years, it is evident that their music has touched hearts and resonated with many who have heard their music.
As the name suggests, the juxtaposition of Saints Amongst Sinners magnifies the contrast between the band in comparison to how they feel around other musicians.
“We’ve only been around for a short while but we could feel the expectations from everyone. I felt like ‘Oh right, what do we do now? Do we fit ourselves into a mould? How do we do this?’,” says Mateen, describing one of the challenges faced when discovering their identity.
Starting from scratch, the seven-piece band met at their Institute of Technical Education College Central (ITECC)’s Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) — Central Independent Musicians Club (CIMC).
Saints Amongst Sinners consist of vocalist Mateen, vocalist and keytarist Dayang (Day), bassist Harist, guitarists Zamir (Zam) and Dominique (Dom), drummer Martin, and DJ/sampler Mateen (Matt).
All in their early 20s, the members also pursue the creative and music sector outside of the band. Some of which include doing graphic design full-time, part-time artiste manager, audio engineer, and studying sonic arts.
“So there’s seven of us, there’s a lot of ‘chefs in the kitchen’ and obviously a lot of different directions to how a song would go,” says Day, who feels that the band does not have a fixed genre and their sound just comes naturally as they write their songs.
“If you want to really put a name to it, I think the best thing to say is Alternative (and) Shoegaze,” Mateen adds.
Their previously-released singles and now part of the album, ‘Wondering’ and ‘Lover’s Dream’ will bring listeners on an ethereal trip. Mateen’s words are soft and reassuring, bringing a sense of comfort and familiarity to the wandering one, accompanied by Day’s sweet yet sultry vocals akin to Indie-Rock singer-songwriter Beabadoobee.
They also carry more experimental songs in their album through ‘Bind’ and ‘Enigma’. Progressively luring listeners in with Day’s enchanting tunes, both peak with a climax of Mateen’s guttural yells, bringing out the band’s hardcore influences.
While Saints Amongst Sinners never believed that they truly “fit in” anywhere, they do have a way of infiltrating the listeners’ minds with their words.
Listen to Saints Amongst Sinners here:
Harist and Zam mentioned that the band will be taking a break after being in a “rat race” for three years straight towards reaching the band’s goals. The album launch is the last thing on their checklist for now, having no regrets about their journey so far.
“For the first time, we’re not looking to the future anymore because we feel like we’ve done everything we’ve wanted to and more, so I think we just want to enjoy the fruits of our labour,” says Mateen.
‘An Adventure of Cosmic Proportions’: Saints Amongst Sinners’ concert at the Esplanade Concert Hall on 13 November 2021.