Big Smog

AsiaWorld Arena, Tue Aug 24

There was always a fear that the Stone Roses comeback would be a bit of a disaster. Such was the hype and anticipation that had built since Ian Brown, John Squire, Mani and Reni announced they would be reuniting the legendary Madchester band last October, promising to ‘shake up the world’. Yes, expectation was rather high – from global fans, pundits, commentators and media alike.

But judging from the baggy legends comeback gig at a rather sparsely filled AsiaWorld Arena, the Roses themselves have felt that weight of expectation too. Like they had regarded this huge global tour – given all the proclamations, propaganda and the inevitable accusations of doing it for the cash – as no ordinary reunion of past greats. Like they had prepared in the most professional and rigorous of ways.

And thus, any fears of a disastrous comeback were annulled early. From the moment they opened (a little surprisingly) with I Wanna Be Adored, they were not quite the live Stone Roses of old, but perhaps the better for it. The Roses circa 1990 had a reputation for being erratic live – but there was no such accusations at the Roses 20 years on. Ian Brown – all baggy-panted, tambourine-wielding and simultaneously skulking and strutting around the stage – actually sounded good. John Squire shone with intricate licks and extended jam improvisations. And Mani, while often looking like a frightened child, and Reni brought that famous swaggering Stone Roses cross-rhythms with impressive sharpness as they ran through all the SR favourites, sung on by the crowd.

The comeback could have been a disaster. But in reality, it may well redefine their legacy as a live act. And Ian Brown’s closing remarks of ‘we’ll be back!’, before promptly leaving without encore, could be seen as further suggestion that the Stone Roses story isn’t over...

Mark Tjhung

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Set List
I Wanna Be Adored
Mersey Paradise
Sugar Spun Sister
Sally Cinnamon
Bye Bye Badman
Ten Storey Love Song
Where Angels Play
Shoot You Down
Fools Gold
Something’s Burning
Waterfall
Don’t Stop
Love Spreads
Made Of Stone
This Is The One
She BangsThe Drums
I Am The Resurrection

Play Thursday July 19

We may not be psychedelic junkies but that’s why we took a trip to Play on July 19. For us, it was all about losing our psychedelic virginity in front of an act which has been deemed by many as super-worthy: Infected Mushroom. The Israeli duo has helped define psychedelic trance over the years and is a massively popular feature in the scene.

Several hours before Infected Mushroom arrived at Play, fans had already gathered to enjoy a burger and play competitive ping-pong and pool (by competitive we mean there was money and anger involved). “They’ll blow your fucking brains out,” a married 27-year-old banker told us over a game of pool. “The idea of psytrance comes from LSD and magic mushrooms. Your brain rewires your emotions and senses. You can smell colour and you perceive sound in a totally different way. That’s what psychedelic music is based on. You don’t need drugs with Infected Mushroom.” At this point, we were more worried than looking forward to the Israeli duo. We weren’t quite sure if we wanted our brains splattered over the floor, mentally speaking.

It wasn’t until 1am that the duo appeared and took over the DJ booth, sending the audience into raptures of cheers and screams. What happened next was a whole different level from what the warm-up DJ had been playing earlier. We couldn’t help but notice a group of men and women next to us bursting into a crazed dance nearly on all fours and head-banging in sync. As we were admiring the two hired dancers on stage prancing about in perfect sync to the beats, the recognisable melody of hit song Becoming Insane slowly crept over our backs, infecting us. Mayhem ensued. The two dancers on stage danced crazier, my new banker friend looked like he was going into a seizure and the occasional screams from the crowd became prolonged permanent cries.

So it was as tripped-out as we’d been told. And the music was as awesome as we’d hoped. With an LSD-like experience like this, if anything, it’s made us curious to try the real thing itself now…

Jacky Lee

Hidden Agenda, July 13-14

Electrifyingly high temperatures may have swamped many over the weekend, but fortunately for Hidden Agenda and the folks at Maybe Mars, there were still the bright-eyed and restless who were more than happy to trundle themselves along to Kwun Tong for two full on nights of China's edgiest sounds.

Everyone's favourite dilapidated KT warehouse (still fighting – hurrah!) ushered in a handful of the Mainland's most promising bands for Maybe Mars' five year anniversary alongside some top HK talent. Saturday's lineup included HK’s 31G and Beijing’s AV大久保, the latter sounding a little like raw grindhouse layered with slick pulp and pop.

Sunday's gig was a veritable lovefest between music hungry hipsters and headlining band Carsick Cars. Skinny one man show S. Haku, whose trembling vocals clashed in all the right ways against the heavy discordant drones of his guitar, kicked off the show. Next up were local heroes downer, a seven-year effort that has culminated in effortlessly shiny prog-rock sounds. Any band that works with a minimalist girl thrashing it out on the drums gets top marks from us. The vocals were almost lost in the dark and slow instrumentals, but that was perhaps the appeal of their set - like drowning in deep sea waves.

Baby-faced trio Mr. Graceless, on the other hand, showed us upbeat and new-wave pop done oh-so right. Running straight from the classroom to the stage (perhaps), they regaled us with throwaway musical references to Hanson, the Beach Boys, Chuck Berry and Bombay Bicycle Club. They sang, they whistled, they duetted. They couldn't have been more adorable if they tried.

And then, Carsick Cars tore up the room with their experimental indie rock tunes, including crowd favourite Zhongnanhai, presented to us in the rousing encore. They played a couple of songs off You Can Listen, You Can Talk with great aplomb, despite main man Zhang Shouwang being slightly hindered by his foot cast. He still managed to pull off a few experimental riffs using a single drumstick on his electric guitar to great effect.

All in all, a stellar roundup showing Maybe Mars' nose for talent over five successful years. Here's to another five.

Billie Chin
 

We’ve probably called Hong Kong the world’s greatest city a few times in the past – but even we’re surprised by a new report which has just been released. Hong Kong has been bequeathed the title of the world’s ‘most liveable city’ in a move that has raised many eyebrows here and further afield.

The Economist Intelligence Unit releases a biannual global ‘liveability index’ which highlights the best cities in the world to live in. The top spot is heavily coveted but Hong Kong has never owned it. Until now. It has beaten Canadian, Australian and Japanese cities and has left us Hongkongers scratching our heads a little. We love our city, of course, and it should certainly top the ‘most dynamic, lively, fun and awesome’ index but, really, ‘most liveable’? Every day we’re rubbing shoulders with endless streams of people in bustling crowds. We practically live on top of one another. Some days you can feel the stress in the air as you inhale the smog.

However, this is not a criticism piece. It’s a pat on the back! Somehow, we’re number one in a list we could never have dreamed of topping. But how did the fragrant harbour actually finish first while regular heavyweights Melbourne, Vienna and Vancouver failed to even make the top 10? A closer look at the methodology yields some answers. The EIU held a competition to devise a new method of ranking cities. The winner, Filippo Lovato, created new criteria and also omitted 70 cities (including Melbourne, Vienna and Vancouver). So Hong Kong’s really only number one under highly specific conditions. Oh well, we’ll forget that bit: we’re still number one!

Lovato gave his reasoning for Hong Kong’s high score: “Hong Kong, the winner, is a very compact city that has managed to maintain its natural heritage, create a dense network of green spaces and enjoy extensive links to the rest of the world.” Again – really? We can all agree Hong Kong is great, but liveable? Hell, we’ll take it!

On June 15, Time Out Hong Kong had a shoot with Tony Leung Ka-fai in Chai Wan.

Cool garbs provided by Porsche Design and styled by Arthur Tam

Happy to be done?

Video below!

Hong Kong cinephiles with a penchant for raunchy comedy may want to bring their popcorn to Hong Kong Alt Screenings’ latest soiree. Hong Kong Alt Screenings aims to bring the best of fringe international cinema to Hong Kong’s screens—films that would otherwise never be released because of their explicit or unconventional content.

The event is a rich eight-course meal: seven short films and one feature-length movie. The short films are a diverse selection from talented filmmakers around the world, from Grant Orchard’s BAFTA-winning A Morning Stroll to Ga Eun-yoon’s Clermon-Ferrand Grand Prix winner Guest. But those are just the entrees to whet your appetite.

The main course is Klown, a Danish gross-out comedy that elicits big laughs and big gasps. Based on the wildly successful Danish TV show, Klown is the sex and drug-fuelled binge journey of two wildly inappropriate best friends and their 10 year old nephew. Sex addict Casper (Casper Christensen) and village idiot Frank (Frank Hyam) make for an excellent Dumb and Dumber as they traverse the Danish countryside, bringing chaos and comedy in their wake.

Despite Klown’s growing list of accolades and acclaim, the film is definitely not for the sensitive or underage. The NSFW trailer features Frank sticking his finger up a large Danish woman’s bum as she rides Casper in the world’s least sexy threesome.

In comparison to Klown, The Hangover looks like the latest Pixar film.

Watch the best Danish comedy has to offer on Saturday, 14 July at 7pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be bought via Eventbrite, by following this link: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3807181382

Christopher Wang

We’ve got the lowdown on the best spots to hit to celebrate 15 years of the SAR this weekend with your friends and families:

Dragon Dance Parade
Youths from the Mainland, Macau and 18 of the city's districts perform in this festive parade which runs from Victoria Park to Hong Kong Stadium and celebrates the handover.
June 30, 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Bonar Bradbury
The up-and-coming UK talent is known for his deep house productions.
June 30, 11pm to late at Kee Club, Central

Eddie Halliwell
Celebrate Hong Kong's handover while you party down to Eddie Halliwell's uplifting, energetic dance tunes and remixes.
June 30, 10pm to late at the W Hotel in TST

Hong Kong Pub Crawl's 2nd Anniversary
It's two anniversaries in one as the city's first and foremost pub crawl crew celebrate their second anniversary with an epic tour around Hong Kong's best watering holes with extra surprises along the way.
Crawl begins at Insenses and start from 9pm til late on July 1

Fireworks Display
Explosive pyrotechnics celebrate the handover. Try the new Tamar Park for an awesome view.
July 1, 8pm

If you are looking for a prime spot and great food to view the firework, head over to SEVVA in Central. The restaurant offers two packages for the occasion: the regular a la carte menu is available with a minimum charge of HK$1,500 for those who want to enjoy a full meal, or HK$680 per person to simply gain access to their amazing location. Both of these packages include a glass of Krug Grande Cuvee NV, access to their terrace and their signature deluxe degustation will be served during the fireworks.
Prince’s Building 25th Floor, 10 Chater Road, 2537 1388, http://www.sevva.hk/.

Dragon Boat Beer Fest
Enjoy cold brews, tasty food and live music while the dragon boats race along the TST East promenade nearby.
From noon-10pm on July 2 at the Urban Council Centenary Garden

Handover Hallelujah
Wanch's annual Handover Hallelujah returns. A total of 45 bands over the course of four days!
From June 29 to July 2 at 6pm, go to The Wanch. 54 Jaffe Rd, Wan Chai, 2861 1621, www.thewanch.hk.

“With great power comes great responsibility,” Peter Parker's uncle once famously quipped. Perhaps with great fame comes great expectations too? Or, um, just great weirdos…

For most of the Legend 9 tournament at the Grand Hyatt, City of Dreams, Macau, on June 16, the fighters' decisions to constantly go to ground and seek a submission was met with submissive boos from the crowd (or at least a sizeable section of it), who wanted a clean boxing match - or at least some wild exchange of blows. But did the audience forget that this is MIXED MARTIAL ARTS?

It's arguable that greater fame for Legend 9 has brought about greater expectations but, with the increase in fame, it's also brought the 'fairweather fan', who's more interested in watching two fighters bloody and beat each other to within an inch of their lives than in any real skill or technique involved in the match-up.

For the most part, the crowd's constant disappointment at seeing a fight go to ground was annoying and, eventually, cringeworthy. But it also brought about a few gems. Shout-out of the night goes to a young ruffian in the back of Section 1, who screamed: “Break his nails!” in a fight that was more reminiscent of two youngsters playing a game of 'tag' than a bout between two professional fighters.

The last two fights were genuinely edge-of-the-seat stuff, with Australian teenage debutant Dan Pauling giving China's Li Jingliang a tougher fight than he had anticipated. Eventually, experience shone through as Li Jingliang won by unanimous decision, with a thundering second and third round following a more cautious first. Koji Ando and Rob Hill gave the crowd what they wanted, trying as much as possible to stay on their feet. Koji Ando prevailed with Rob Hill clearly tiring, taking the match on judge's decision.

We hope to see another Bae Myung Ho (who was there training Team MAD and Nam Jin Ho) and Li Jingliang match-up for Legend 10! Runner-up of the night: When Dan Pauling came gushing through the steam that surrounded him for his opening, revealing his still boyish face, a nearby neighbour shouted: “He's gonna be great when he hits puberty!”

Avid Time Out reader Diego Cuenca won his first professional fight against Muhammad Hanif Bin Zainal. We hope for many more!

For more results and fighter profiles, check www.legendfc.com.

Chinmoy Lad

Skip the tie and give your dad the most valuable gift in the world -- precious memories he’ll treasure forever. Time Out picks the top 5 things to do in Hong Kong with your main man on Father’s Day.

Strip Club

When we say bring your dad to a strip dance, of course we are not talking about something shabby or vulgar. Bisous is one of the few clubs that stage burlesque shows, though not in the most authentic way, the old Hollywood glamour style is still apparent. Treat your dad to a drink and enjoy some not-too-awkward grown-up bonding time.

Bisous, 9/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham St, Central, 2501 0002; www.bisous.com.hk.

Fishing

For the guys out there, do you remember that moment when your dad smiled proudly at your first catch? Fishing has always been a universal paternal bonding activity whether you live on earth or planet 55 Cancri e. It’s an indisputable fact and since we live in a super busy city, it’s more so the reason to remind your pops the nostalgic memories of the time the two of you spent together when you were still a kid. Although Tai Mei Tuk’s artificial fish pond may not pose as much as a challenge, there isn’t much of an option since the official reservoirs are closed this time of the year. It’s spawning season for them.

Tai Mei Tuk 11A, Tai Po, New Territories, 2662 6351, www.tmtfishfarm.com, $50-$55/hour, equipment included.

Dim Sum

Grab some dim sum with your father in the morning or take him out for a fulfilling dinner at Lin Heung Tea House, one of the oldest and traditional Cantonese restaurant in Hong Kong. Enjoy an authentic Cantonese dining experience in the bustling restaurant while pouring your old man tea and letting him know how much you value his company (and love).

Lin Heung Tea House, 160 Wellington Street, Central, 2544 4556

Hiking

Classified by Times as "The Best Urban Hike In Asia" back in 2004, the Dragon's Back hiking trail stretches across the Shek O Country Park and oversees Big Wave Bay and Tai Tam Reservoir. The not-too-challenging and conveniently located trail promises a spectacular view and the amount of exercise you and your dad have been lacking.

Dragon's Back Hike, Take No.9 Bus at Shau Shek Wan MTR station and get off at To Tei Wan.

Spa Day

Dads work hard to provide us basically everything we have today. Although it's never going to be enough, repay the big guy with the Homme Improvement treatment from W Bliss Spa. Let the incredible massage and the amazing view (from 72/F) take off some of dad's stress from work.

W Bliss Spa, 72/F, Bliss Spa, W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Rd West, West Kowloon, 3717 2222; www.w-hongkong.com.

The testosterone-fuelled, bone-crunching mixed martial arts tournament, Legend 9, returns to the City of Dreams in Macau on Saturday June 16 after a series in its hometown of Hong Kong. The main fights see Japan's Koji Ando challenging Australia's Rob Hill, while China's Li Jingliang will look to come back strongly against debutant Dan Pauling after his defeat in Legend 7.

However, this time around, we look a bit closer to home. Avid Time Out reader Diego Cuenca grew up in Manila before moving to the USA as a teenager, sparking his interest in martial arts. Now he resides in Hong Kong and works full time as an asset manager, while training at Central's mixed martial arts academy JAB-MMA.

You could see Diego Cuenca in action in Saturday. For free! All you have to do is win our competition (details at the bottom of this page). But first, with his debut professional fight looming, we find out how Cuenca juggles two professions at once - and whether the prospect of fighting Muhammad Hanif Bin Zainal this weekend has got him worried…

Hi Diego. It's your first professional fight. Are you nervous, scared or really calm and cool?

Even if it is my first professional fight, I've competed since I was 15, so I don't typically get nervous till a few days before - but that's how it always is. I don't get scared of my opponent but I do get scared of putting on a bad performance.

Your bout is the first fight of the night. Does that add pressure to the situation or do you prefer it that way?

I prefer fighting first. I hate waiting. I hope to set the tone by putting on a great show. I am looking to finish this fight.

Banking hasn't had the greatest reputation recently. As a banker by trade, do your friends tease you about the fact that you may be a 'banker who gets bloodied'?

I am a finance guy so I think that has a certain stigma to it. People who say everyone in finance is evil are clearly misinformed. The truth is, if you do right by your clients and conduct your business ethically, you are adding value to the economy and providing people with peace of mind. My friends think I am slightly crazy which is probably correct! White collar brawlers are more common than you think - look at John Cholish, an energy trader in the UFC or a pre-law Boston College graduate like Kenny Florian. I am not alone. In Hong Kong, most of the best jiu-jitsu guys are finance guys. I train with them every morning before putting my tie on. In this town, a lot of the white collar guys would beat up those street 'tough guys'.

Is it hard keeping up two professions as professional fighter and banker - especially since MMA is so demanding on both the mind and the body?

It is hard. If something isn't earned it is worthless. I learned that long ago when I was wrestling and I still believe that today. Fighting and working really just boils down to scheduling and sacrifice. I am cranky most of the time and I am tired all day. Other than the occasional night out, I mostly stay home, do laundry and rest. If you treat your body well, it will perform at work and on the mat.

Is giving up banking for a professional fighting career something you would consider doing?

No I tried it and it isn't for me. Last year I spent my time in the gym and I taught students the SAT and ACT exams. The uncertainty did not mix well with my nature. I'll fight as long as I want it and physically can - but I don't think I will consider fighting full-time again.

MMA in the Philippines isn't quite as big as boxing, thanks to Manny Pacquaio. Do you see that changing any time soon?

I don't think that statement is entirely true. Have you been to the Pan Asians in Manila? I just competed in it (I won the advanced no-gi division) and it was packed. MMA and grappling is growing in the Philippines. Boxing may be popular because of Manny and that is positive. Boxing is a big part of my game and I think it applies to MMA much more than Muay Thai (even though I've competed in that too). Boxing and MMA can co-exist and I am a boxing fan.

How did you end up going into jiu-jitsu instead of stand-up fighting or even boxing?

I didn't go into combat sports wanting to be an MMA fighter. I picked up wrestling because I was a fat kid who didn't get picked for the basketball team. I was also a knucklehead kid who didn't appreciate structure in life. Wrestling changed all of that for me. I picked up BJJ and Muay Thai after that. To answer your question, I never thought I would be fighting MMA when I first started grappling. Now I am as dangerous standing as I am on the floor.

When and why did you pick up Thai kickboxing?

A few years ago I took an early morning Thai boxing class for fitness. After kicking the bag one morning I asked one of my mentors - former WKA champion, Edge Brown - “So how do you learn how to fight?” He then asked me: “Okay, so when do you want to fight?” In six months I had my first bout and won by decision.

How do you anticipate your fight with Muhammad Hanif Bin Zainal to progress? Do you plan to take it to the floor and avoid stand-up combat as much as possible?

No. I will exchange with him and take it to the ground when the time is right - not necessarily with a takedown. I plan on hitting him a lot and fighting a smart fight. I am in no rush to take it to the floor. I can box and I plan on showing that too in this fight. I don't think there is a place where I won't be a threat. I can pound, fight in the clinch, submit from my back, submission from the top and exchange.

Do you see yourself repeatedly coming back for future Legend series?

I prefer not to think beyond Hanif. But yes - if it's the right fight I would fight for Legend. There is no-one else I would fight for.

Finally, we hear you're a frequent Time Out reader! What's your favourite section in Time Out?

I like your articles in the film section (I watch way too many movies) and the food and drink section (I love eating, which is a challenge when you're making weight). If you guys want to win me over, focus on science fiction and articles on ice-cream (my number one vice). [Ed note - reviews on sci-fi ice-cream movies perhaps, Diego?]

Good luck against Muhammad Hanif Bin Zainal! Can you give Time Out Hong Kong a shout out when you win?

Of course! Thank you for the time.

Catch Diego Cuenca vs Muhammad Hanif Bin Zainal and more fights at Grand Hyatt Macau, City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Macau; www.entertainmentmacau.com. Sat 16 June, 4.30pm; $1,280-$680.

Interview: Chinmoy Lad

WIN!

Four readers will win 2 tickets each and ferry passes to go see the mixed martial arts stars in action on Saturday, June 16 in Macau. Just email janice.jann@timeout.com.hk answering this question:

Q: Who defeated Li Jingliang in February?

First 4 correct responses will be emailed further instructions on how to pick up the tickets. Competition ends Thursday, June 14 @ 7pm.

Good luck!