Back in Phnom Penh for a series of shows at Oscar’s on the Corner and The Deck are Bangkok-based psych-doom instrumental act ZeitGeistS, who played at The Deck and Cloud back in April. Leng Pleng contacted them to find more about the ideas behind the noise.
LP: How long have ZeitGeistS been together and how did you get to the band you are today? How has your music evolved over time?
We formed in 2015 – Aum Subhamitra on guitar and myself, Kim Nopbhorn W, on bass – with several other members. Later, once we recruited Thot Panomkwan on drums and Wasin Wainiya on keyboards, ZeitGeistS made its first appearance in 2021, releasing a self-titled debut EP. We combined elements of psych rock, doom, prog, jazz and experimental music, influenced by King Crimson, Black Sabbath, Soft Machine, Mahavishnu Orchestra, John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman and the like. We are always trying to evolve the show and performances to connect with the audience, and we receive many positive responses when we perform – we can tell that some people are deeply touched with our message, not only through the sound but also visuality through video footage with a political message for Thailand and other places.
LP: It’s a brave move to forego vocals – was that a conscious decision?
Our first intention was to have a singer, and we have lyrics, but it’s hard to find anyone who shares the same ideology. In 2020 we decided to move on and be an instrumental band. Our abstract presentation has amplified our message better than we expected, it’s more open for listeners to interpret, and reinforces the realism of our approach.
LP: Aside from your previous trip to Cambodia, where else have you toured?
We haven’t toured much yet, only around Bangkok. We have had some approaches for next year but it’s all still in progress. I will be more than happy to share with you when everything is confirmed.
LP: What is the punk/hardcore scene like in Bangkok these days?
It is growing rapidly in terms of popularity, bands from overseas come more often. I admire what the punk or hardcore bands are doing nowadays, it’s essential that the profound messages are being called out.
LP: Aside from Bandcamp and YouTube where else can we check you out online?
https://www.facebook.com/ZeitgeistSofficial/
https://zeitgeists.bandcamp.com/merch
https://open.spotify.com/album/7bdS8bcj0elKTgeYgvIK8d#context
https://music.apple.com/album/id/1589596424
https://www.instagram.com/zeitgeists_official/
ZeitGeistS play at Oscar’s on the Corner on Friday night and at The Deck on Saturday with Reign in Slumber and Absolute Zero.
