FLIP THE ’FLAP

GET INTO THE GROOVE WITH OUR FESTIVAL-INSPIRED PLAYLIST THIS MONTH

“SHE CAME FROM GREECE, she had a thirst for knowledge…” Those immortal opening lyrics to Pulp’s cutting class-war treatise, Common People,

will ring out across Central Harbourfront this month as the Britpop superstars headline Clockenflap.

As the music festival stages its second edition of the year, Asian artists are front and centre. Don’t miss superduo Yoasobi: salsa thumper Yoru Ni Kakeru (“Racing into the Night”) sets the tone for a riotous, technicolour party.

Festival regulars will remember Wednesday Campanella’s joyous 2017 set, which saw singer Kom_I “float” across the crowd in a clear plastic ball. The EDM group returns with new vocalist Utaha, marking a fresh chapter. Look forward to the new while celebrating past hits like Sakamoto Ryoma,

a crisp, synth-laced tribute to the titular samurai.

Also returning to the city with their distinctive brand of fun are Aussie dance DJs Peking Duk; but it’ll be a debut for Welsh multi-instrumentalist Novo Amor and bedroom pop enigma D4vd (“David”). Tune into the soothing electro-soul of British quartet Prep, and be transported by the expressive artistry of Caroline Polachek, whose avant-garde approach to pop is exemplified by Welcome to My Island.

It’s a homecoming celebration for Running Youth, the Taiwan-based indie-electronica pair originally from Hong Kong. Their lo-fi eponymous track, which launched them onto the scene in 2021, encapsulates a certain lonely disaffection in its subtle earworm melodies.

The British post-punk revival is well underway, and Idles surely lead this raft of new noise. With a grungy driving bassline and rallying vocal hook, The Idles Chant will have you punching the air and searching for the nearest moshpit.

Whether you’re jetting in for the action itself or just want to set the mood for a great flight, whack on our 15-track whip-through of the acts whose music will be making Hong Kong bop this month.