Sifa 2024: Experimental band The Observatory seek Refuge in the sounds of Malaysia’s caves

Refuge by The Observatory is a live performance project inspired by the subterranean world. PHOTO: ARABELLE ZHUANG
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SINGAPORE – Local experimental band The Observatory’s Dharma grew up with caves in his backyard, but he had not entered these subterranean portals until a visit to Gua Tempurung in late 2022.

Dharma recalls going off the beaten track with his band members, only to reach a point where it was pitch black. Since then, he also visited another cave where archaeologists excavated the 11,000-year-old Perak Man – one of the oldest human skeletons found in Malaysia.

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