Part of the making of The Other Option obviously involved the discovery of some incredible punk rock and hardcore bands buried deep in their respective countries underground scenes. The film features a number of amazingly talented bands that we highly recommend checking out. Here are just a few of my favourite bands uncovered:

VAGUE – Jakarta, Indonesia

I was at a show at the venue Rossi Music in Jakarta to film Australian band Collosvs who were on tour at the time. I spotted Aca from Jakarta hardcore legends Straight Answer – who also gives a great interview in the film – and he told me to make sure I checked out a local band called Vague that night. Now I know why. Really impressed with their melodic indie rock/punk style and trust me that is not normally the case for yours truly with bands like that. Their set really stood out that night. Then I went and listened to their recordings and was even more impressed. Great band.

 

SNAGGLETOOTH – Singapore, Singapore

They couldn’t wear their biggest influence in an any more obvious way – and it’s awesome. I had the pleasure of seeing these guys at Pink Noize in Singapore and totally loved it. This amazing, driving punk rock just makes me want to tear shit up.

 

DAIGHILA – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Holy shit. This is how post hardcore should be done if you ask me. Chaotic but with enough melody and structure to make it almost mysterious. Also another band that sucked me in even further after seeing footage of live sets during post production. From what I have heard, particularly their most recent output, this stands up with any internationally recognised screamo band – no doubt.

 

PISSCHRIST – Melbourne, Australia

Yes, I realise this band is from my own country. While being aware of the guys and their impressive DIY touring exploits, I have to admit I had not listened to them much prior to the making of the film. Crust and D-Beat punk had just not come up on my listening radar a great deal. Man, was I ignorant in not checking them out. Such aggressive, driving punk with a perfect dose of good ol’ rock’n’roll. It’s so awesome. Add to that being blown away by the intensity of the band in all the live footage I have now seen…I will have to live with the regret of never seeing this band live. Yeap’s interview was also an incredible contribution to the film.

Also check out the following bands, many of whom feature in the film’s sountrack: The Caufield Cult (Singapore), Under 18 (Indonesia), Daily Ritual (Singapore), Kids on the Move (Kuala Lumpur), Straight Answer (Indonesia), Carburetor Dung (Kuala Lumpur), Osmantikos (Kuala Lumpur).