As the final hours of the year ticked away, *SCAPE’s NYE Spectacular: Music Day Out delivered a night to remember, cementing itself as one of Singapore’s most thrilling year-end celebrations. The festival’s stellar lineup lit up the stage with an electrifying blend of sounds, featuring the dreamy synth-pop of South Korea’s ADOY, the high-octane grindcore of Singapore’s own Wormrot, the soulful, genre-defying vibes of VVAS, the retro charm of Malaysian rockers MASDO and Japanese math rock band cotoba captivated the crowd with their intricate melodies and emotive performances. Adding to the excitement were other local favorites like Aggressive Raisin Cats and Mary Sue & The Clementi Sound Appreciation Club. These are the many bands I caught when I was running around at the music festival.
The night was a sonic journey that spanned genres and emotions, weaving together pulsing beats, intricate melodies, and raw, unfiltered energy. Far more than just a countdown party, it was a celebration of the transformative power of live music, leaving the audience buzzing with excitement and already longing for the next big moment. This wasn’t just a New Year’s Eve event — it was a crescendo that capped off the year in style and set a bold tone for what’s to come.
The event was spread across two locations — the outdoor Playspace and the indoor Ground Theatre — creating a dynamic, festival-like atmosphere that kept audiences on the move to catch their favorite artists. Despite the heavy downpour, the energy never waned, as fans braved the rain to soak in every moment of the performances.
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My festival experience kicked off with an electrifying performance by Mary Sue, whose rhythmic and expressive rap set the tone for an unforgettable evening. Backed by the jazzy brilliance of The Clementi Sound Appreciation Club, the set was a seamless blend of genres, where the rich, soulful tones of the saxophones intertwined with irresistibly groovy rhythms. The crowd was instantly captivated by the band’s dynamic energy, with catchy guitar solos adding a layer of charm and finesse to the performance. Mary Sue’s flawless rap flow, both lyrical and commanding, perfectly complemented the ensemble’s vibrant instrumentation, creating a soundscape that was as fresh as it was timeless.
As the sun began to set, VVAS took over the Playspace, transforming the outdoor venue into an atmospheric haven with their emotive, genre-defying sound. The band’s set was a seamless blend of soulful vocals, intricate guitar lines, and pulsing rhythms that had the crowd swaying under the drizzling rain. Despite the looming rainclouds, the energy from both the band and the audience remained electric, creating a moment that felt both personal and communal.
Sheltered from the rain inside the Ground Theatre, Aggressive Raisin Cat unleashed their ferocious energy with a performance that shook the walls and ignited the crowd. The local band’s powerful riffs, thunderous rhythms, and raw stage presence created an electrifying atmosphere, drawing the audience deeper into their chaotic yet captivating world. Mosh pits were definitely a must have as audiences pushed each other around, flailing their arms and two-stepping to the catchy rhythm. By the time they finished, the crowd was left exhilarated, proving why Aggressive Raisin Cat continues to stand out in Singapore’s music scene.
Despite the relentless rain, MASDO lit up the Playspace with their retro charm and infectious energy, proving that nothing could dampen the spirit of the diverse crowd. The Malaysian rockers delivered a stellar performance filled with groovy basslines, nostalgic melodies, and their signature vintage flair despite their songs being sung mainly in Malay. Fans braved the downpour, dancing and singing along as MASDO turned the rainy night into a jubilant celebration. In addition to that, local singer Aisyah Aziz, made a special guest performance for their song 'Pujaanku' which definitely delighted the audience even more.
As the rain kept pouring in, so did the crowds. Cotoba transformed the Ground Theatre into an intricate soundscape, blending cascading guitar arpeggios, unpredictable drum patterns, and melodic basslines with breathtaking precision. The South Korean math rock ensemble’s emotive performance was amplified by the venue’s sharp acoustics, immersing the audience in a wordless yet deeply evocative dialogue.
The biggest highlight for me was watching Wormrot's original lineup tearing up the Ground Theatre. The legendary grindcore trio tore through their set with unrelenting aggression, Arif’s guttural roars and piercing shrieks cutting through the dense, claustrophobic riffs of Rasyid’s guitar, while Fitri’s drumming exploded like controlled chaos, a relentless barrage that left the audience in awe. The chemistry among the reunited members was electric, a visceral reminder of the raw power that had cemented Wormrot’s place in extreme music history. Each track hit like a sonic battering ram, leaving no moment to catch one’s breath, as the crowd roared in cathartic unison. This wasn’t just a performance; it was a triumphant homecoming for one of grindcore’s most celebrated acts.
As the rain finally subsided, ADOY took the Playspace stage and turned the damp evening into a glowing celebration of the New Year. Their dreamy synth-pop sound filled the open air, with jangly guitars, lush synths, and pulsating beats creating an uplifting, almost cinematic atmosphere. Juhwan’s smooth vocals carried an emotional warmth, perfectly complementing the joy and anticipation rippling through the crowd as the final seconds of the year ticked away. When the clock struck midnight, the band paused to join the audience in a jubilant countdown, cheers erupting under the clearing sky. ADOY’s heartfelt melodies and shimmering soundscape made the transition into the New Year unforgettable
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