Top Combine, the newest boy band to emerge in the Mando-pop scene.[File Photo: img.1ting.com]
Hello and welcome to another edition of China Beat here on China Radio International. I'm your host Zhong Qiu.
Top Combine, 至上励合, is the newest boy band to emerge in the Mando-pop scene. With combination of four competitors of 2007 Happy Boys and a Korean member, this new boy band is being promoted as the "Number 1 idol group in China", and has captivated audiences all over the country with their song and dance routines. Their first EP, 降临, Advent, has also received positive reviews and gained quick popularity after its release last month. For the rest of the show, we will talk with the band members and get a feel of the passion and vigour of their music.
(Top Combine's soundbite) (zhang yuan)
Of the five members, Zhang Yuan is the lead vocalist and the band's front man. Having won 9th place in the 2007 Happy Boys competition, he was credited for his strong, expressive vocals.
(Zhang in Chinese) "As the band name indicates, we want to make it a top combination with the hard work of all five members. It is more than a clever name but a representation of how we feel and where the team will go from here. With this name, we hope to tell people about a young band of dedication and inspiration.
The major hit of the album, Advent, 降临, echoes the ambitions of this band.
(Zhang in Chinese) "The principal track, Advent, bears the theme of hope and love. Musically speaking, it blends hip-hop, rock and techno; and, the lyrics indicate that with arrival of love, clouds of sadness will clear away and hope will be reborn. "
(Advent)
Before this debut release, members of Top Combine spent half a year in Korea for vocal and dance training. Korean musicians behind super groups as Dong Bang Shin Ki and Super Junior helped in the production of their songs too. As a result, this album features a distinct Korean flavor.
(Next Station For Ever)
The third track, 下一站永远, Next Station For Ever, is created by Park Changhyun, one of the composers for Korean group Dong Bang Shin Ki. With an R&B twist, this love ballad is infused with the sweet warmth of love. The track is introduced by a monologue of the Korean member, Kim Eunsung.
(Kim in Korean) "It is a confession about love, going like this: Girl, for me, moments with you are the most precious in the world. I pray everyday that you are my dream for true always. Every day every night I miss you."
(Next Station For Ever)
In the group, Ma Xueyang, or Mars, is the musical talent. He has a strong background in music with an emphasis on violin. The second track, Candy Floss, 棉花糖, is courtesy by Ma Xueyang. With an uplifting beat and catchy lyrics, this song is as sweet as its name.
(Ma in Chinese) "This song is special for my band. It tells about a young man who fancies his romantic story before he garners enough courage to tell the girl he loves. It was originally a guitar-driven folkie, yet our music director supposed it could be arranged with bouncy beats. There came the sugary pop which is imbued with boyish charm."
(Candy Floss)
That was Candy Floss which is taken from the boy band, Top Combine's first EP. Kiss is another romantic song on this album. Different from Candy Floss, this song tells about a couple madly in love. Li Mao is the leading dancer and rapper of the band. He explains how the love-struck find their way to express love.
(Li in Chinese) "It is a sweet love ballad. It tells about a young couple in love who make every moment one of happiness. It passes on a message that one can express and experience love through simple ways."
(Kiss)
Like many successful pop groups, the five members of Top Combine have their own specialties, and together the quintet is set to reign over the pop idol market with their particular talents. Liu Zhoucheng or Kenny is the one who boasts cute looks and a sense of fashion in the group. Yet in the song, Clown, he sings as if he were a clown for love.
(Liu in Chinese) "It is a heart-rending, emotional song. When I performed the song, I felt like I was the person in the story: a man who loves with all his heart but ends up broken-hearted. As the lyrics say, he is playing the role of clown because he's so much in love."
(Clown)
With the song, Clown, we come to the end of this edition of China Beat. We hope this young band will uphold the claim of being the top combination in the music scene; and continue to treat pop lovers with good music. This is Zhong Qiu from Beijing, bye for now.
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