Dichi Michi, is another pretty cool local band that I discovered lately. I am not really a fan of “genre” (because it can be very misleading), but I can say these guys are in the group of power pop or pop punk kind of music. Although you can see the word happy hardcore stated on their MySpace page, I don’t see anything ‘hardcore’ in their lyrics or music tho. Clothing, perhaps. My fav types of tshirts, by the way. Their EP, Sounds of New Hope, consist of 3 English songs and 1 Malay song. Personally, their songs are pretty fun and melodically enjoyable, unless you’re very particular with lyrical meaning and intelligence on each songs.
I wouldn’t deny that there are definitely influences from Pee Wee Gaskins in their lyrics and musical arrangement (and style) – but that doesn’t matter. All bands started with influences – screw those people who blame you for “sounding so much like <put other famous western band name here>”.
Anyhow, try to listen to them. I hope they will come out with more songs, with better recording, and perhaps will full album later.
Another related band is Nevada, but they don’t have any EP released yet.
Check out: MySpace | The Wknd Session live recording and interview