Let me try spitting please!

25th September 2005, Singapore - The Magnets of the UK performed to an almost sellout crowd at the Victoria Theatre. The pop sensation sextet who've backed Tom Jones and Gerri Halliwell seemed somewhat off colour in the opening minutes and the attraction was found wanting right from when the curtains opened. Perhaps it was the sweltering afternoon 4pm heat that had taken a visible and vocal toll on the 30-somethings.

The crowd was almost what you'd expect at a boyband concert, with just a smattering of 'aunties' and 'uncles' and random groups of a cappella fanatics. Erm...which was precisely why I was in the house. So if you're reading this review of The Magnets and missed out on their so-so performance and a superb workshop following their solo show here, you're in for a treat! Because they know not when they'll return to the island, but do not dismay because Agapella's not going anywhere (well, not till Dec at least). For the uninitiated, Agapella is a Christian contemporary a cappella group numbering about a dozen and our next gig's free for all and open to the public. Coming up next month, details of Agapella's first public performance of the season will be announced soon! So be sure to come by The NewsStan(d) often to check out the date, time and venue of the outdoor gig. We'd love to see you there!

Back to The Magnets...the initial chemistry between the vocal band and the audience took some while before any sparks flew, but about a third through the first half of the show, they had the audience hypnotised. The vocal percussionist (I believe his name was Andy-something) was most charming. The showmanship and versatility he displayed by taking on the high calling of a one-band band was to be the highlight of the performance. I'd never seen a vocal percussionist up close and 'live' who was so much against the grain yet well-calibrated, so powerfully-raw yet rhythmically-polished. If you're reading this Jam/Sherm, could I borrow the CD you bought from the guy when you're done? I wanna learn the art of spitting like the man and make all those sounds of drums and the high hats without the drums and high hats.

But for sure no such sounds will I be producing at Galilee. In fact, I thank God everything went relatively alright at service. Had the privilege of presenting the very powerful "Will You Not Listen?" by Michael Card solo, unplugged and a cappella. Looking forward to the next time, perhaps with my bros of CFC (Chords For Christ)!

Meantime, keep praisin' the Lord this new week! He's really MAGNETIC once you get to know Him!