Hungry Ghosts (band)

Hungry Ghosts is a 4-piece indie rock band based in Hong Kong. The band was founded in 2007 by frontman Luke Chow, a well-known musician active in the Hong Kong rock scene, and guitarist Paul Lam. Bassist Tiffany Laue and drummer Michael Jack joined shortly after, having met Chow and Lam by jamming at open mic nights in the city.[3] Along with groups including Chochukmo, King Ly Chee, Poubelle International and My Little Airport, Hungry Ghosts are considered one of Hong Kong's most influential and well-established independent bands.[4]

Hungry Ghosts
Hungry Ghosts after performing in Hong Kong in 2010
Background information
OriginHong Kong
GenresIndie rock, post-rock
Years active2007 – present
Associated actsLuke Chow, Kestrels and Kites, Lymbyc Systym,[1] Saosin[2]
Websitehungryghostsmusic.com
MembersLuke Chow
Paul Lam
Tiffany Laue
Michael Jack

The band has released two studio EPs and was featured on The Underground HK's annual compilation in 2010.[5]

History

Formation and 'EP' release (2007–2010)

Luke Chow and Paul Lam formed the band in 2007. Chow had been performing and touring as a solo acoustic act for several years prior to forming Hungry Ghosts, releasing the Fast Forward Tour EP and a full-length record, Inspired By People.[6] Lam was working as a teacher at the time, but "had so much free time [that he] played a lot of video games and wrote many guitar songs."[7] While early critics of the band were quick to label them as 'emo' based on the stylistic elements of their sound, Chow rejected that description, commenting, "“Emo” tends to suggest sappy losers whining about how they got dumped by their girlfriends, or bands like My Chemical Romance. We’re nothing like that."[8] The Ghosts do, however, cite indie-emo acts Death Cab for Cutie, American Football and Pop Unknown as influences.[9]

Hungry Ghosts released their first CD, EP, in 2009, and spent the following year gigging intensely in Hong Kong, opening for visiting international acts such as Caspian,[10] and Saosin.[11] They were also featured on The Underground HK's third annual compilation album, "Life After Roots – Rock Beyond" in 2010, and were described by Time Out magazine as being the "stand out" band of the record.[12]

EP 2 (2010–2012)

Immediately following the release of EP, the Ghosts began work on new material for a future release. Several release dates were announced for the new EP,[13] but it was not until February 2012 that EP 2 was finally made available to the public at a launch party at the Central venue Backstage.[14] Leading up to the EP 2 release, Hungry Ghosts opened for American instrumental band Lymbyc Systym at Hidden Agenda[15] and sent Chow and Laue to the 2011 Clockenflap festival, performing as the Luke Chow Band. In 2012, the Ghosts opened for Canadian post-hardcore band Silverstein and will play the main stage of the Clockenflap festival.[16]

Discography

EP
  • EP (2009)
  • EP 2 (2012)

Compilation
  • The Underground Compilation CD No. 3: Life After Roots – Rock Beyond (2010)
gollark: It has cables for coolant, items and energy, but it's a tunnel.
gollark: It's just a tunnel.
gollark: An internal tunnel.
gollark: ARE RTGs OKAY?
gollark: IT'LL BE SHIELDED.

References
  1. White Noise Records. "White Noise presents Lymbyc Systym (US) w/ Hungry Ghosts Live In Hong Kong at Hidden Agenda, 21th [sic]-July". Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  2. HK Clubbing. "Saosin live in Hong Kong". HKClubbing.com Events List. HKClubbing.com. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  3. Robertson, John. "UpClose with Hungry Ghosts". HK Magazine. Asia City Online Ltd. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  4. Leese, Samantha, Maar, Dwight. "Best Hong Kong bands to rock out with". CNNgo. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. Retrieved 15 June 2012.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. "Compilation CD No. 3 合輯 3". The Underground HK. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  6. Hao, Ying. "Luke Chow". Global Times. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  7. Robertson, John. "UpClose with Hungry Ghosts". HK Magazine. Asia City Online Ltd. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  8. Robertson, John. "UpClose with Hungry Ghosts". HK Magazine. Asia City Online Ltd. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  9. Leese, Samantha, Maar, Dwight. "Best Hong Kong bands to rock out with". CNNgo. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. Retrieved 15 June 2012.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. "CASPIAN Live in Hong Kong". Hidden Agenda. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  11. "Saosin live in Hong Kong".
  12. Tjhung, Mark. "Underground Compilation CD 3". Time Out Hong Kong. Time Out Group Ltd.
  13. Ng, Bun. "Hungry Ghosts and Milkteeth recording and releasing". Bunny Warren. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  14. "Hungry For Success". I Love LKF. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  15. "Lymbyc Systym (US) w/ Hungry Ghosts Live in Hong Kong". Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  16. Tjhung, Mark. "Hungry Ghosts". HK Magazine. Asia City Online Ltd. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
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