Featured artist - The Cb Dogs: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2gJ74NZF0QI08zV1aG9pRi
If you don't know, you likely aren't Singaporean. "Cb" is an acronym for a Hokkien vulgarity (cibai/cheebye) that roughly translates to "cunt", often used as a hyperbole or in phrases such as "You damn cb leh". While profane, it doesn't stray far from the sort of music this band produces that could be summarized by two simple words: "young" and "aggressive". The band consists of mostly teens, and, as you can see in the video below, they really don't hold back. They truly capture the essence of Singaporean youthful aggression.
Crude, loud but passionate, this ban has gained the attention of many in the music industry - even being noticed by themothership, a popular alternative news site in Singapore that has as much influence as it's "legitimate" counterparts (link below). The band laments the lack of true Singaporean music in Singapore, feeling that most local bands tend to pander to the international music industry.
In a quote by the band's lead singer and guitarist: “If you heart pain, like girl leave you, you will say like ‘wah, f**k la the girl don’t want me already’ — something like that? You won’t say like, I crossed a thousand rivers and a mile for you.” Personally, I can't deny that.
With local bands such as TheSamWillows around, it's quite obvious most Singaporean musicians have their eyes set on the international music scene. However, it's nice to see a band like The Cb Dogs staying true to their roots.
If you are not Singaporean, you may miss many of the local references in their songs. Regardless, do check out their other songs (especially my personal favorite Johnny Tay) which are fun, catchy and thoroughly enjoyable.
Link to their song on spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0UwiBKS0AjahHGMS0sFM0N
Let me know if you would like to see an exclusive interview with the band members. I'm childhood friends with one of their key members, so it's likely I could make it happen!
Here's a video of their performance at Naybeats, a small scale Singaporean event where they cover a local classic "Ai Sio Kan Mai?"
Video Source
Mothership article: https://mothership.sg/2019/09/who-are-cb-dogs/