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| Sunday, July 20, 2003
Music > One Authority Type : ReviewMedium : Music Title : A Bold Case Artist : one Authority Venue : Rockfest at the Y Details : 8-10pm, 190703 Reviewer : Dawn Fung "One Authority's refreshing presentation, balanced by a solid opening by Aerosoul, captivated the audience throughout the evening" "Wanting to get out and do something different? Tired of the same old bands and same old venues? Then this is for you!" says the very trying flyer. However the tryst by One Authority proved to be a satisfying and rejuvenating experience. An already warmed crowd by Creed-sounding Aerosoul awaited the main band. Perhaps it was the way that One Authority managed to catch everyone's attention that convinced me there was no question that the Rockfest's first gig was off to a great start. One Authority reminded me of a motley looking crew - the rhythm guitarist is an effervescent lead singer with flying side burns, the bassist reminds me of the grunge kid with a pounding step, the drummer in the usual cap sans feather, and the lead guitarist looked like he walked out of an anime strip. With One Authority's great showmanship, I was pleasantly surprised that I was, far from patronising, looking forward to each number. Lead singer Joshua's passion and oblivion to self-consciousness was reassuringly motivating for those who just walked into the gig. Like the usual youth rock scenes, there were head bangers, albeit thinning, at the front anticipating every rift with neck braking movements. What I found refreshing were the simple but tight songs written by One Authority. A particular favourite was Watching Over You about a carefree girl from the eyes of her father, and described with imagery from nature. Joshua explains that this song was one of his firsts and stems partly from his desire to be a father since young! As the main songwriter as well as lead singer, he maintains that the band has to be evenly credited. Founded by Xavier the drummer, One Authority seemed to have discovered their platform recently, even though they were completely formed only two months back: As the opening band for the last Sonic Edge gig, their progress to the main highlight is a taster of their ambitions to join the international scene in seven years! Although a significant sounding number, the reason for this projected timeline was due to the hassle of the time minus-ed during National Service. Introduced by a friend who stumbled on them at the last Sonic Edge gig, it was a divine window of opportunity for their ministry as they were invited to head start YMCA's monthly gigs. Within the local Christian musicians' scene, there are already big players like Starfish, Parousia and Myst. However there are also many bands that have dropped out due to common reasons of work and time. Hopefully, young bands which are idealistic and creative will also be a form of encouragement for mentor systems within the scene. Joshua tells me that his ministry is with One Authority (with the exception of the rhythm guitarist, the other band members all hail from another church). As a local band he hopes that there will be more support in future from peers and the public. Admittedly this is going to be constant source of consternation in Singapore but prayer will have to be the key that holds the unity and focus of the band. One Authority does not want to be known as a Christian band- to avoid the stereotyping of Christian connotations and like Creed, they want their music to speak for the band. At the Rockfest, One Authority's refreshing presentation, balanced by a solid opening by Aerosoul, captivated the audience throughout the evening. To find older folks bobbing to mellow young rock tunes at the YMCA was something different indeed. Check out One Authority's website oneauthority.com.
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