Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/989894
5 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 JUNE 2018 THIS WEEK MUSIC themselves baiting hits be- cause they think they're try- ing to make it big. If you're trying to 'make it', you need to pack your bags, quit your job and go somewhere closer to the action. If, like us, you're simply interested in creat- ing something beautiful that might mean something to a few people, might as well take risks and do something inter- esting. What's next for you? After we 'unveil the band' in a more or less official capac- ity during our June 10 gig in Zabbar, we will then focus on recording our debut album – 'Il-Hlas'. Djun are: Charles Cassar (bass and lead songwriter), Justin Galea (vocals), Paul Torpiano (keyboards), Ryen Refalo (gui- tar) and Michael Vella Zarb (drums). The band will be performing at the Blue Arena of the Maria Mater Gratiae band club, Zabbar on June 10 at 19:30. Bookings: https:// s h o p . t r a c k a g e s c h e m e . c o m / event/brodu-u-djun/ 'MIDDLE-CLASS' The Travellers While there's certainly an audience for strummy, uplifting Maltese-language folk-pop – especially as the summer climes wind their humid and Rose-in- the-evening way across the island – one can also un- derstand why Cassar would characterise their sound as 'middle class'. Comfort listening at its best/worst, depending on your musical inclinations and general predisposition. 'ATTRACTIVE' Red Elektrick Operating under a healthy balance of mainstream and rock-and-roll, Red Elektrick are perhaps Malta's most palatable 'radio-friendly' band, whose sleek image belies a genuinely healthy love for the music. 'LIKEABLE' Brodu Interlinked to Djun's history and eclectic blend of styles through the aforementioned Mark 'Zizza' Ab- ela – lead singer and guitarist here – Brodu's freeform blend of rock, jazz, blues and everything in between may not have the mainstream appeal of the likes of Red Elektrick or The Travellers, but they did achieve a measure of virality in select scenes with the excellent number 'Ic-Cimiterju'; a song that confirms the band's genuine emotional resonance as well as the overarch- ing 'chill vibes' within which they operate... certainly cementing their 'likeable' stamp in the process. 'ANGRY' Brikkuni Brikkuni frontman Mario Vella is certainly no stranger to controversy or unpopular opinion on social media, but it would be a shame if this 'per- sona' wholly overshadows the band's musical legacy. And while their most recent release – Rub Al Khali – may actually cleave closer to Djun's own melan- choly overtones, the raw wellsprings of anger found in their debut – Kontrabanda! – are certainly worth revisiting, especially its more punk-inflected tracks like 'Kontra Kollox u Kullhadd' and 'L-Eletti'. So who are the bands that Djun is comparing itself with? Djun are: Charles Cassar (bass and lead songwriter), Justin Galea (vocals), Paul Torpiano (keyboards), Ryen Refalo (guitar) and Michael Vella Zarb (drums)