Emo Rebels Xingfoo&Roy Hold On To Youth With Three-Part Short Film Of New LP Tracks

So, what now? (Credit: Courtesy of Xingfoo&Roy)

Are you ever too old for emo? Xingfoo&Roy don’t seem to think so. The fervent homegrown trio of Daniel Chan, Gabriel Chen and Jerome Chong have kept the momentum of the emo revival movement going since 2014. Known for their rabble-rousing numbers and irreverent shows that’ve gained regional traction in countries like Japan and Indonesia, Xingfoo&Roy have garnered an avid following amongst fans of the emotion-charged genre.

Years after their formation – following two records, 10 Dating Tips for the Spineless Youth Addicted to Pornography in 2016 and Late To The Party in 2018 – Xingfoo&Roy show that the vicissitudes of life persist even as age catches up. They have released a new short film with a runtime that’s nearly 10 minutes, consisting of three singles slated for the band’s upcoming full-length. Titled So, What Now?, the music video is directed by Daniel under his filmmaker alias, Dan Visuals, and it captures a bittersweet tale of the hamster-wheel motions in life and how much control we have of them.

The film begins with “Buying Some Goodwill”, a swinging wrecking ball that thwacks with spry guitar jabs, thumping drumwork and criss-crossing vocal duets that feature Alif Zaini from Terrible People. Here, the band is seen playing a meta video game called Time Loop where they control avatars of themselves, leading to both moments of victory and frustration.

It follows up with “Something About Trains”, a dynamite blitz punctuated further with themes of acceptance and moving on, with a rallying refrain – “This is the final call” – that is assuredly mosh-inducing. The band tackles the dilemma of social obligations on video, and the woes of being a wallflower at a house party.

The third act of the film shows the aftermath of the nocturnal quandary, where the band scoots off on a contemplative sunrise road trip. These scenes are paired with “It’s Better Than Being Blue”, an indie-inclined emo piece that undulates with moments of tense tenderness and short-fused rambunctiousness.

The cyclic ennui that lingers through the story of the film captures the fatigue of clinging on to one’s youth, but Xingfoo&Roy trudge through with these bite-sized anthems that navigate the rough waters. This is a series of anecdotes that indicate where they’re at in life right now. And they’re focusing the lens for all to see.

(Credit: Courtesy of Xingfoo&Roy)

Watch So, What Now?, the new three-part music video by Xingfoo&Roy on YouTube. Listen to their repertoire on Spotify and follow their Instagram page to stay updated with their activities.