point blanc aint shooting blanks

I'VE been humming the song 'Ipohmali' since its' video-clip was aired on TV.

The song, sung by former Poetic Ammo member Point Blanc, has made it to the top of the Hitz FM's Malaysian English Top 10 charts for two consecutive weeks, thus it comes no surprise why the catchy tune is starting to become the talk of the town.

While it is still in the modest stage compared to Too Phat's Anak Ayam which got many Malaysians dancing to the old Malay folk tune, Ipohmali has its charm coupled with a rather good effort in the making of the video-clip.

The local English scene have yet to find its footing in the country. Only a minority believe in a more Malaysian-ised song while the local buying power is rather pathetic.

Poetic Ammo was more of a Dr Dre, Snoop Dog influenced group but they didn't really come up to expectations. Too Phat did get some good coverage and air time, but they too just vanished just like their KL and Phat Farm merchandises.

Not many local English artists have made an impact with the exception, among others, Pete Teo and Pop Shuvit. Yet, the public too are not well aware of such players and even frown when told Rabbit once bagged an AIM award.

We also have indie bands like Seven Collar T-Shirt, Republic of Brickfields and Love Me Butch which have made quite a wave, but only in the underground scene.

Yes, we do have Reshmonu and Sasi The Don, but they too have not made any significant impact but for their hair-do.

Public mentality has oftened compared the local music industry with those of the West. Sadly, many do not realise some local artists have the niche of going far but for the 'lets praise the West' attitude seen among most Malaysian listeners.

Time has come to change such a preception and perhaps catchy tunes like Ipohmali, from Point Blanc's solo album Straight to the Point will be a start for better things to come.

Note the video-clip have several noted personalities, from Patrick Teoh, the Sinclair sibblings to even national X-Games skateboader Johary Fitry (aka Joe Ipoh).

In the meantime, its back to humming the Ipohmali song for the creamcrackers crew. Hopefully Point Blanc will be as famous, if not more famous, then the Ipoh chicken rice.

Just wondering Point Blanc; no Taiping-mali song ka?

pic: Point Blanc's Straight to the Point will be in stores within this month. For updates check out http://str8tothepoint.blogspot.com/. Pic coutersy of str8tothepoint.blogspot.com

-The Man Who Sold The World-