It would be easy to get carried away if you are being called Hong Kong’s Arcade Fire. But with the always chirpy-looking Modern Children, you sense that it’s just not really in their character. “We love Arcade Fire, we definitely see similarities,” says Jimmy Cheung, guitarist of the six-piece MC. “I guess the difference is they’re more misty and melancholic while we are bright and happy.”

This blithe and bonny disposition has characterised Modern Children’s five-year existence. Over this period, they’ve rung toy bells, warbled fun-loving synths, and la-la’d singalongs, bundling it all into a sound that certainly doesn’t lack for ambition.

Nor, should we say, does their debut, released late last year – a highly produced and layered 10-track release. “It is an app album. It’s for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and there’s also an Android version,” says Cheung. “The way we listen to music keeps evolving. So why not have our audience just click one easy button instead of them having convert our CD into their phones.”

In the two weeks after its release, the app attracted more than 1,200 downloads and, as Cheung tells it, captures the essence of the band. “It’s a summary of us being together on this music journey. It has some of our very first songs and also some very recent ones, so it witnesses our growth from how we started to what has become of us.”

The app album also includes lyrics, interactive elements and a game involving their signature rainbow bells. It’s innovative for the Hong Kong market. But then again, it’s nothing more than we’d expect from such contemporary kids.

Mark Tjhung 

Modern Children play Hang Out on Saturday January 14. Tickets: 6352 6655; ticket.modernchildren@gmail.com

Download the App Album for Apple or Android.