Cantonese a cappella group C AllStar sing about a vanishing Hong Kong
Vocal quartet C AllStar pen nostalgic songs about a vanishing Hong Kong. But they're not stuck in the past, writes Rachel Mok
C AllStar do not churn out karaoke-friendly ballads like most boy bands. Far from it. Since the release of their debut album (2010), the predominently a capella quartet - Andy Leung Chiu-fung, Kenny Chan Kin-on, Jase Ho and King Wu - have been focusing on contemplative songs that share the sentiments of a city undergoing many social and political changes.
, Don't Let the Island Sink and look at how certain aspects of Hong Kong life have disappeared in recent years. The songs are tinged with nostalgia, something that's unusual for a group with an average age of 26.
If we don't sing about Hong Kong, what do we sing about? It's just natural
Their upcoming "Our Woodstock" concert has a retro feel to it, too. Exploring the history of their home city, as well as that of their families, has been an important part of C AllStar's musical journey. "Finding our roots is a simple and natural direction for us. Like at school, we all have to study history.
"We learn what happened in the past so we are able to understand why we are sitting here today," says Chan, a former professional footballer with Hong Kong 08 and Hong Kong Rangers.
"I wanted to know where my parents came from, and how they grew up. Learning this has given me a sense of belonging, and helped me fall in love with where I live," he says.
But after five albums, critics have questioned whether the band have overplayed their nostalgic and sentimental style. Some claim their music has become trite and repetitive.