The local indie band scene in Malaysia is rising—and it’s a force to be reckoned with. Driven by themes of self-expression, individuality and creative freedom, their voices are loud and ready to be heard. But in a music scene dominated by mainstream acts, local artists rarely get the limelight they deserve. Last Friday, TunnelVision 2.0 changed that by giving them a platform to be recognized, allowing them to perform passionately for an audience eager to listen. 

Held at the student lounge, the event was organized by Ensemble Monash, featuring three bands: KILT from the Monash Music Club, Various Artists, and local indie band, Wallflower. 

The night kicked off with a quick speech from Keane, the vice president of Ensemble Monash, encouraging everyone to sing their hearts out and to approach the mosh pit with caution.  

KILT opened the show, and while the audience was a little shy at first, it didn’t take long for the energy to shift. They started with an original song that began mellow but picked up the pace toward the end, slowly drawing people in. Some of the crowd were nodding their heads, and by their second song, the drums started to kick in, encouraging the audience to move. Eventually, people were dancing and singing along to the band’s covers of Blur’s Beetlebum and The Smiths’ I Know It’s Over. Their setlist included original songs and nostalgic hits which was the perfect way to start the night. 

They were then followed by Various Artists, who were welcomed with loud cheers and claps as they returned to the stage after performing at TunnelVision last semester. Their vocalists, Niki Goh and Manny, quickly captured the attention of the crowd with their impressive harmonies and falsettos. Later on, the venue lit up with flashlights as they performed ABBA’s Slipping Through My Fingers which was clearly a crowd favourite. People swayed their arms to the rhythm, singing their hearts out. Caught up in the moment, I found myself joining in, and for the first time, I realized just how fast time flies in university. It reminded me to slow down, breathe and take everything all in regardless of how hectic life may seem. They concluded their set by covering Suki Waterhouse’s Good Looking, as people held hands and ran in a circle—laughing and stumbling into each other, determined to make the most of the evening. 

Before the final band took the stage, the floor was opened to anyone in the crowd who wanted to jump in and perform. It was a great opportunity for Ensemble Monash club members and participants to express themselves and showcase their talents. The highlight of the jam session for me was definitely when a group of students performed HOT TO GO! by Chappell Roan. Beyond its virality, the song’s 80s-inspired synth-pop sound and its unapologetically bold expression of individuality made it a clear standout. The chorus felt like a cheer—fun, catchy, and easy to follow—which made everyone, myself included, want to join in on the excitement. We shouted at the top of our lungs and raised our arms to form the letters of the song’s title. With everyone chanting and dancing along, the energy was undeniably contagious. It’s just the kind of track that gives you a boost of confidence, the kind that makes you feel like “Yeah, I’m hot to go too!”

Afterwards, the highly anticipated band, Wallflower, got on stage to perform their original compositions. They immediately stunned the audience with their songs Rose Tinted Glasses and Sublime which put the ability of their vocalist, Tatsuki,  to shift effortlessly between chest and head voice on full display. Of course, the rest of the band brought just as much energy—reviving the crowd as the night began to settle with their performance of Nosebleed. The loud drums, rhythmic bass, and melodic electric guitars came together to spark the most intense mosh of the entire event. With its three explosive peaks, you’d hardly notice that it was Wallflower’s longest track—everyone was completely hooked from start to finish. 

But, as with all good things, the night eventually came to an end. Still, I know for certain that everyone who attended the event went home with hearts full and smiles plastered on their faces. As a first-timer, I came into TunnelVision 2.0 not being familiar with any of the songs included in the setlist. Yet, I found myself completely immersed—nodding my head, singing and dancing along with everybody else. I couldn’t make out most of the lyrics, but the songs still stirred something inside me. The bands’ passion for the craft was indisputable, translating to lively and heartfelt performances. As they sang and played, you could feel the messages they were trying to convey. That’s the magic of music: it transcends language and familiarity—touching our innermost selves and connecting us together like nothing else. That being said, it’s about time we bring these emerging talents into the spotlight, where their music, their message, and love for the arts can be felt and celebrated for all to see. 

Written by Bianca Eunice Miranda Calma

Photos by Jovie