Review by William Chan
Local band thetiredeyes brought Orchestra Reimagined: wHiRlwiND to the Macau Cultural Centre (CCM) on October 17. My only complaint about the concert is that there was only a single performance, and it was held in the Small Auditorium. This masterfully crafted, Macau-based production boasts high international quality and deserves a much grander platform.
Versatile in style, thetiredeyes blends jazz, R&B, neo-soul, hip-hop, and pop with classical arranging techniques to create richly layered sonic textures. Built around the concept of “Orchestra Reimagined,” the performance brought contrasting musical styles into dialogue and collision, giving rise to fresh, unexpected sounds, according to the band’s description.
For this festival showcase, the core lineup of thetiredeyes consisted of five members: Amanda on vocals, Monic on keys, Kabi on bass, Fanfan on drums, and Patrício on clarinet and EWI*. The show also featured New York-based synthesist Kengchakaj and Macau-Hong Kong violinist Nina Wong as guest artists. The majority of songs performed were their own compositions.
The complete set flowed as smoothly as a well-pacing theatrical play. The lighting and stage design were wonderfully executed, integrated so naturally into the performance that they enhanced the atmosphere without ever being distracting. From visual elements to song transitions, each segment was seamlessly woven together to create a continuous, immersive experience.
Amanda’s vocal delivery once again raised the bar for what a world-class singer from Macau can achieve. Professional and full of distinct character, her voice captures the core identity of thetiredeyes – effortlessly relaxed when needed, yet remarkably powerful, cutting, and alluring during more passionate passages.
The addition of Kengchakaj injected rich technological colour into the band’s classically trained foundation. He provided vital improvisation and futuristic sound effects, reimagining how pop and rock classics can sound to modern audiences. His mastery over synth textures added a sophisticated, cosmic depth that pushed the band beyond traditional fusion boundaries, hinting at an exciting electronic-acoustic direction the group could explore further.
The rhythm section served as a rock-solid backbone throughout the night. While Monic’s piano work shone as expressively as ever, the band tackled complex rhythm changes and tight tutti sections with impressive precision, repeatedly delivering those satisfying “click” moments where intricate musical flows fell perfectly into place. Nina’s violin solos were equally fiery; her seamless integration and raw versatility almost made a case for modern fusion being the violin’s natural home – a rare sight among classically trained string players.
My favourite piece of the concert was their rendition of Radiohead’s “Exit Music (For a Film).” Amanda’s vocals nailed the tense, ominous, and suffocating mood above challenging, complex chords. Kengchakaj’s reimagining of the track – featuring aggressive synth leads, ambient soundscapes, and high-reverb delay effects – evoked a striking post-apocalyptic feel. Backed by the rest of the band, they managed to elevate the iconic composition to new heights while remaining faithful to its core spirit.
With guest artistes like Kengchakaj and Nina bringing such unique flair, this collaboration offers a fantastic opportunity for thetiredeyes to absorb these expansive influences and permanently integrate them into their evolving sound. Audiences won’t have to wait long to catch them again, with the group’s debut album on the horizon. On the organisational side, however, future events would greatly benefit from resolving a recurring issue: despite tickets selling out within seconds, the auditorium was marred by conspicuously empty seats, leaving genuine fans out in the cold.
*EWI (pronounce ewee) stands for Electronic Wind Instrument. It is a synthesizer-based instrument played using breath and woodwind/brass fingerings (most commonly associated with the saxophone, flute, or oboe). – Gemini
Amanda Chan behind the microphone
Kengchakaj improvises on stage.
Monic Chen plays the piano.
Nina Wong on the violin
thetiredeyes perform at the Macau Cultural Centre (CCM) on October 17. – Photos: Bob Wong
