The Petch Phin Thong Band – Soul Lam Plearn by Soundway Records

Thailand means different things to different people. Beyond the beaches and tourist spots lies a world of music still waiting to be discovered. Be it spaced out jazz, raw funk or the meditative sounds of the North East, Soundway has dug deep into the country’s vinyl archives to present a broad range of vintage sounds that underlines Thailand’s status as one of South East Asia’s musical hot spots.

As Soundway’s entry point into the Asian music world, The Sound of Siam CD and double LP offers a unique vantage point to the most experimental period in Thai musical history. The 19 tracks reflect the outcome of a twentieth century journey from Thai classical to Luk Krung and Luk Thung – music that incorporated western influences such as jazz, surf guitar, ballroom and even Latin and African.

The music maps changing social demographics, the movement of people, culture and language from countryside to city and all during a period when the record labels were at their most experimental.

My favourite comp of the year, really well sequenced & very entertaining – thumbs up all round. Mr Scruff

This is funky garage rock topped with idiosyncratic Thai vocals. If you want to know what an oriental Stone Roses would sound like, check out The Petch Phin Thong Band. Uncut 4/5

A fascinating trip through an alternate musical universe of Bangkok funk, traditional sounds and even reggae lilting nodders. Clash Music

Possibly my favourite retro release of the year but I would expect no less from Soundway. Congratulations again, and again, and again…Mary-Anne Kennedy (World on 3)