Top 10 Best Malaysian Indie Bands

Malaysian indie music is a kaleidoscope of sounds that reflects the rich tapestry of cultures in Malaysia. It's a scene that first started gaining momentum in the late 80s and early 90s, with bands like Lovehunters pioneering the genre. The indie wave hit a new high during the 2000s, as numerous bands, unconstrained by mainstream expectations, began to experiment, innovate and create music that reflected their unique styles and perspectives.

It's a scene where vibrant rock melodies from bands like Bunkface intertwine with the passionate, raw energy of Hujan's music. A realm where the Britpop-infused tunes of Bittersweet coexist with the nostalgic sounds of Kugiran Masdo, and where the indie rock vibes of The Times find their place. These bands, and many more, form the backbone of Malaysian indie music, creating tunes that echo the hopes, dreams, struggles, and joys of a generation.
The Top Ten
1 Bunkface

Their music is awesome. Every time I play their songs, they lift my spirits.

Best when performing live, great sound, and stage presentation.

Best song ever. Keep bunkers, keep Bunkface.

2 Hujan

A unique sound unheard of from any band I've listened to before. Truly revolutionary in the history of Malaysian music. Noh's lyrical genius and AG's unique guitar skills are something to focus on when listening to this band. I have great expectations for this band in times to come.

I only recently discovered the band through friends, and I was pleasantly surprised and delighted by the talent. Totally underrated, if you ask me.

The combination of guitar skills, creative lyrics, and good showmanship make Hujan the best! This band is going to be a legend! Trust me.

3 Bittersweet

Bittersweet can get in the top 5. Come on, guys. Disagree sucks. Hujan deserves to be number 1 because they have a really good guitarist (AG Coco). The Times also aren't cool at all.

4 Azlan & The Typewriter
5 Butterfingers

Butterfingers is simply underrated and unfortunately didn't receive the acclaim the band deserves. Butterfingers is certainly not a one-hit-wonder. The band has transcended the musical quality of what was available in the local underground scene. It's a privilege to have listened to their music.

Weird to not see this band in the top 5. Full of originality, multi-genre, one of the earliest (first perhaps?) English-singing indie bands to be popular!

6 OAG

OAG is the first band that brought the Malaysian indie/underground scene to mainstream attention. They can simply be called "The Father of Malaysian Indie Band" along with Butterfingers and A.C.A.B.

LEGEND! This band is in a different class. Can't compare them. Butterfingers too. Living legends. Their music is really inspiring. Come on.

Best moment for me is listening to OAG's songs.

7 One Buck Short
8 The Azenders
9 Kugiran Masdo

Love from The Lipstik, major throwback from my uni bittersweet memories.

10 The Times

They are basically an OAG in another form and direction (all are ex-members of OAG). Their music is ahead of its time and could have been a revolutionary band in the Malaysian scene if not for their internal problems and conflicts with the label.

My number one favorite band in Malaysia. Their music has a big influence on my life. They are the reason I started a band. Long live The Times!

Nice form of music. The lyrics are simple, so is the music.

The Contenders
11 The Lipstik

The predecessor of what we now know as Kuguran Masdo! Definitely can't be neglected.

12 Laila's Lounge
13 Disagree
14 Oh Chentaku
15 Selamat Pagi Gadis
16 A.C.A.B.

The founder of the Malaysian skinhead scene.

17 Gray Sky Morning

Retro rock in action, the best melody I've ever wanted. This will always be my favorite lullaby during my study time.

Last night I just saw them perform. Still awesome. Cinta Gila.

18 Iamneeta
19 Sekumpulan Orang Gila

They are right. A bunch of awesome crazy people, creating good noises that fit the soul.

20 Modescape
21 Estranged
22 Naratu
23 Midnight Fusic

These boys are 18 and already making waves in the Malaysian music scene.

These dudes are great! Definitely.

24 nicestupidplayground
25 Kyoto Protocol

I listen to all their music. They are like Malaysia's Panic! at the Disco.

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