There are key defining moments in every band’s journey – the leaving of a central member, the change of record company, the ‘wife in the studio’ meddling, the manner in which they deal with success (or the lack of it) – in recent times, Cantorock outfit Dear Jane has had to endure quite a few of these rites of passage.

For much of the band’s existence (they formed in 2003), the Dear Jane story was smooth enough, and can be summarised like this: over 100 gigs around town; the release of their part ballad, part funk, largely pop-punk 2006 debut album, 100; a successful follow-up in XOXO and high-charting hits like Don’t Speak, Battle Wolf Three Kingdoms and I Love Fireworks Not Flowers.

But then came the changes. Guitarist Adam Diaz left the band for a different path (to join punk band Hardpack) and DJ were forced to shuffle the decks. Bassist Howie Yung took up the guitar role and drummer Jackal Ng dabbled with the bass (see their latest MV for <<慣>>, Used To It); leading vocalist Timothy Wong was the band’s only unchanged element.

They also recently jumped at an opportunity to sign with Warner Music, on the surface a decent money-making career switch with a crack at conquering the mainstream big time. But together with their latest single, Rising Star (later the official theme tune for the Hong Kong Jockey Club – yikes), many people have wondered whether the trademark energy and edge of early Dear Jane have been lost in these lucrative moves. Did we say sell out? Maybe not, but the new Dear Jane definitely doesn’t have the same addiction of old.

Cathy Chan

Dear Jane plays Hang Out Saturday December 3
Tickets: Red Mr KTV, 3125 3125