MA-TE LIN

Formed only last year, the Taiwanese band Ma-Te Lin is a musical duo consisting of vocalist Asha Lin and DJ-producer Shao-Yong Huang.

Drawing on such influences as Portishead, the two purvey their own brand of electronic music. They also have a socially-conscious bent, writing that: “We are inspired by many stories involving human and animal interaction, including the abuse of elephants, and the effect on wildlife after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.”

Injustices aside, we now have the band’s debut, an EP called Ancient Mark.

Ancient Mark (Exclusive Acoustic Performance):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm13UqjkHiA

The title track is exotic in a postmodern sense. There’s something flirty and kittenish about the vocals. About 1:30 in, we really start to get some stimulating beats.

There seems something a bit more murky and haunting about the track “Elephant Say.” Perhaps the band is channeling its views on the abuse of elephants. We get some industrial sounds that bang as heavy as an elephant stomp. Such sounds provide an interesting contrast to the vocals, which remain quite delicate. I think it works.

“Nuke’s Trick” starts out with these almost playful-sounding teardrop effects. It’s kind of eerie, considering that the song is presumably about the effect of nuclear disaster. Even the song’s informal title adds to this sense of eerie playfulness.

“Where is My Feeling” begins on a very soft note. For a while, the vocals are on the verge of a whisper. The background piano (or is it keyboard?) is just as subdued. Eventually, however, the vocals grow more emphatic.

There’s another track designated as “????” (or is it merely untitled ?). It has a bass as thick as an elephant tusk. The song’s latter part conveys something of an intoxicated carnival atmosphere.

The Ancient Mark EP is quirky and unpredictable. This ain’t something you’re going to encounter much on the radio.

Take your ears to Taiwan with a single mouse-click: http://www.sonicbids.com/matelin

Connoisseurs of the visual might wish to check out the website for the work of the band’s “artistic liaison” Mina Shin, who provides a color & shape correlative to the band’s music: http://matelin.com/

https://ma-te-lin.bandcamp.com/music

Ray Cavanaugh – owleyesgatsby@yahoo.com - Skope

Today’s New Music Discovery, Ma-Te-Lin comes to us from Taiwan.
Although you may not 100% understand the lyrics to their songs….they have definitely captured the “hit song” structure.
No matter the language a song is sung in…an amazing song is still an amazing song.
- Rob Daily - Daily Unsigned

Today’s New Music Discovery, Ma-Te-Lin comes to us from Taiwan.
Although you may not 100% understand the lyrics to their songs….they have definitely captured the “hit song” structure.
No matter the language a song is sung in…an amazing song is still an amazing song.
- Rob Daily - Daily Unsigned

Hailing from Taipei is the musical delight known as Ma-Te Lin. Just releasing their astonishing debut EP, titled Ancient Mark, the three-track collection will have you craving more of this hypnotic band and looking forward to a full length release. Laced with electronica influences, Ma-Te Lin take on a sound that is truly unique. Clocking in at around 12 minutes, this is just the very beginning of what the group has to offer.

The opening and title song, “Ancient Mark,” strikes a chord from the very beginning. With harmonious vocals and echoing synthesizers, this piece is a warm introduction into the band. Electronica swirls around the heavenly tones of Ma-Te Lin with a sultry set of vocals to follow. Taking a page out of the books of such acts as Portishead, and perhaps a bit of Kimbra, Ma-Te Lin is out to impress. The beauty of lead vocalist Asha’s voice is accompanied by DJ Shao-Yong Haung, which adds a burst of vibrancy into each song.

The next track on the EP is “Elephant Say,” a mesmerizing track that will stun you instantly. Asha’s vocals are put into the forefront even more so than the opening track. Haunting echoing drumbeats are slow and are surrounded by resonating guitars. In my opinion, this is the standout song of the album that has me putting it on repeat time after time. Filled with various orchestra undertones, “Elephant Say,” is gorgeous.

Closing out the EP is “Nuke’s Trick,” which is also a delightful treat for your ears. Reminiscent of Zero 7 in their Garden State era, the bouncing tones reflect throughout the song. Making a lovely ending to the first chapter that is Ma-Te Lin, “Nuke’s Trick,” is doused with Asha’s dreamy vocals and an array of synthesized xylophone sounds. This song will indeed put you in a state of bliss.

Ancient Mark is truly a special record that needs to be heard. The combination of Asha and DJ Shao-Yong Haung is a spectacular mixture that will not only captivate your ears, but your soul as well. Upon first listen, you won’t be able to wait for what Ma-Te Lin has to offer next. Ancient Mark is a pleasant surprise for 2013.

Ma-Te Lin
Ancient Mark EP
By Melissa Nastasi
5 out of 5 Stars
- Melissa Nastasi

Skope: Does the warm summer weather make you feel more inspired to create music?
We prefer fall and winter because summer in Taiwan means hot and humid all day long and there is more gig and festival during summer, so we need to spend more time on rehearsal and live shows.

Skope: How much did your family & friends influence your love for music growing up?
Our high school friends really influenced us quite a bit – we listen to classic rock music and practice together. Our parents listen to classical, traditional Taiwanese music, folk, which might influence our love for music when we were young.

Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
We released my debut EP “Ancient Mark” in July this year, so we’re doing lots of promo to get it heard worldwide.

Skope: What music based goal are you most proud of that you accomplished?
We were selected by a band sponsorship program provided by the Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture, which means we got $10000 budget for our debut album recording. We were also selected by “The Next Big Thing” hosted by Streetvoice.

Skope: Do you have any new Youtube video or Soundcloud single posted online we should hear?
We have our music up on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ma-te-lin
Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/matelinmusic

Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
We’re working on our first album and start recording in September.
You can always find us on http://matelin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MateLinmusic
Tumblr: http://matelin.tumblr.com
Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/matelinmusic
iTunes: http://ppt.cc/KVAH - Skope

Comprised of Asha and Shao-Yong Huang, the musical duo entitled Ma-Te Lin is storming into the music industry with their debut EP, Ancient Mark. The collective effort between Asha (vocals) and Huang (DJ/producers) takes form in the three original compositions found within the twelve minute debut. Though Ancient Mark was released in July 2013, Ma-Te Lin decided upon collaborating in 2012, as that is when the electronica music group formed. Now, in Ancient Mark’s embodiment is found a collective effort of delicate, prominently inspiring and eclectic electronica music.

Beginning Ancient Mark is the EP’s longest composition titled “Elephant Say.” Serving as the epitome of what Ma-Te Lin represents, “Elephant Say” immediately recognizes and acknowledges what the duo strives to accomplish sonically. Initially presenting listeners with the audible delicateness and softness that represents the duo, “Elephant Say” is captivated by echoing orchestral additions, soft yet ominous vocals, and an overall brooding, dark nature. In addition to the chilling, haunting synthesizers and orchestral additions that strikingly captivate the composition is an eclectic, supportive percussion inclusion. While the song may be heightened by the vocal and orchestral representations, a masterful percussion backing supports the entire track with striking, certain diversity. It’s clear from the setting that “Elephant Say” initiates that Ma-Te Lin isn’t the typical group, all of which is in their favor.

Following “Elephant Say” is the diversifying track, “Nuke’s Trick.” Though it contains similar elements to the track prior - soft vocals, electronic additions - there’s a noticeably different tone initiated. Instead of appearing in an ominous manner, the opening tones are of a more upbeat nature, setting forth the faster tempo in a beautiful melody. Soon chiming in with the beginning effects are Asha’s hauntingly beautiful, yet incredibly captivating vocals. Though Asha is accompanied by backing vocals, her voice remarkably delivers in a powerful manner. In few songs, Asha proves that dominating vocals doesn’t necessarily translate into overpowering and screaming, but rather demonstrates that there’s a remarkable find in demanding attention with a voice that barely hovers over a whisper. Instrumentally, “Nuke’s Trick” delivers in similar fashion as the track prior. Musically, Ma-Te Lin is an entity of its own, providing spontaneous additions and stunning musicality, of which is certainly refreshing for the music world. Overall, “Nuke’s Trick” isn’t of too fast a tempo nor is it strongly uplifting, but it contributes vehemently to displaying Ma-Te Lin as something drastically different - a gem for those searching for music that strays from the path.

Completing Ancient Mark is the EP’s title track. Rather than allowing for instrumentation to immediately grasp listeners’ attention, the track presents Asha’s vocals much quicker than previous compositions. “Ancient Mark” stands as impeccable ground for Asha’s vocals to truly shine through. Though other tracks allow for Asha to display her vocal ability, the track initially presents less instrumental complexity, providing a solid foundation and environment for Asha to heighten her vocals. Still, even with more room to work with, Asha demonstrates masterful control, never sounding overpowering, but still dominating the composition. As the track progresses, the instrumentation builds, and gradually become more evident and stronger. For the track’s remaining duration, effects and tones dominate but not in a manner that takes away from Asha’s vocal effort. Instead, the finishing track stands for the collective effort between Asha and Huang. The balance between the soft, subtle vocals and commanding, energetic effects and synthesizers illustrates the force that is Ma-Te Lin.

With Ancient Mark as Ma-Te Lin’s debut effort, only bright things lay ahead for the duo. Potential rests in their hands with the foreseeable possibility of immense success. Ancient Mark achieves creative innovation and remarkable freshness that hasn’t been audible in the electronica scene for quite some time. For Ma-Te Lin, all the duo has to do is take advantage of these opportunities and continue progressing, and success will naturally come.

Artist Name: Ma-Te Lin
Album Title: Ancient Mark
Review by: Alexa Spieler
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
- Alexa Spieler

The Chinese duo Ma-Te Lin has made their musical debut with the release Ancient Mark. Although the album is only composed of three songs, which make up a total of 12 minutes of listening, the tracks give you a nice sampling of their sound. This release is very much founded in nature. The duo of Asha and Shao-Yong Huang have created an album based around the mistreatment and harm of animals. Asha acts as the vocalist while Shao-Yong Huang acts as the DJ and music producer.
The fact that this group has only been together since 2012 makes their talent even more astonishing. Not everyone is going to fall in love with this EP after their first listen, but everyone will be more than able to value the time and dedication that was obviously put into the release as well as the fact that it's centered around the importance of animals through the course of human existence.
"Ancient Mark," which opens the album, gives you the first taste of Asha's delicate, yet supple vocals. Although the majority of the vocals are in Chinese, there are a good number of lines that fluctuate between Chinese and English. While the other two songs lean more toward spacey electronica, this first song verges slightly more toward an electronic pop sound.
The album exemplifies a number of electronic, often cosmic sounds, especially in the track "Elephant Say." The song also contains the most lines sung in English; the entire chorus is sung in English. The song is comprised of soft, roaming sounds with melodies so wispy they seem to drift and guide you through the whole song. You might even find that you lose yourself in the decadence of the melody before it's all said and done with.
Although the lyrics sung in English come across as fairly vague, it's still obvious that the duo is singing about topics they're concerned about. In "Elephant Say" specifically, Asha sings, "Everything is disappearing . . . Silence is not allowed. Don't give up." Those lines suggest that the track is focused on having their voice about animal welfare heard.
The third and final track, "Nuke's Trick," is sung entirely in Chinese. And although you might not be able to understand the meaning behind the lyrics if you're a native English speaker, Asha's light, fairly-like voice and Shao-Yong Huang’s buoyant soundscapes allow you to still connect heavily with the track because of the spirit and overall essence they're able to convey.
Though this EP doesn't show an entire expanse of the duo's sound since it only contains a total of three tracks it does supply listeners with a nice sampling of the group's style and sound. Asha's strikingly haunting vocals and Shao-Yong Huang's elegant electronic work beautifully merge in a way that you won't be forgetting anytime soon. If you approach this EP with an open mind and open ears, you'll more than likely walk away with an experience you weren't expecting to receive.
Artist: Ma-Te Lin
Album: Ancient Mark
Review by Alec Cunningham
Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)
- Alec Cunningham

Suggestive density and some dark fantasy. Oriental but urban, naïve but oppressive

Style
Downtempo/Electronica/TripHop

Adjectives
Dense, Deep
Suggestive, Seductive, Sensual

Grade
8,3/10

https://www.facebook.com/MateLinmusic - Inanna Naked

Ma-Te Lin is a band that uses electronic music as vessel in an airy soundscape by perfect electronic execution to match beautifully haunting vocals

Different cultures, religions, and beliefs suggest that everything has a spirit; a soul that intertwines with the synergy between nature and man. As humans, we have been effortlessly neglecting this synergy and thus corrupted nature with mal treatment of our environment and the animals that inhabit it. However, there are efforts to take action and promote the sacred synergy between nature and us humans. The latest positive change agent comes in the form of mesmerizing soundscapes and beautiful lyrics. The Taiwanese band Ma-Te Lin uses electronic music to propel their messages of peace within nature. Their latest effort is a 3 track EP entitled "Ancient Mark", a metaphor of the imprint animals have left to shape the world.



Ma-Te Lin is a band that uses electronic music as vessel in an airy soundscape by perfect electronic execution to match beautifully haunting vocals. The theme for their music is synergy with nature, and the synergy between the band doesn't have a bad frequency. The EP focusses more on animals and is reflected through their lyrics like a songbird harmonizing in the deep wildwood. What differentiates "Ancient Mark" from other musical projects is the use of minimal, airy synths and pads that almost tell a story without words. Their use of electronic samples is like the wind blowing against the forest, whispering into the soul of nature. The band also uses big, flashy drums to replicate a thunderous stomp of an elephant or a majestic sea crashing onto a shore. The technic for their music is enjoyable and soothing, but can really only be appreciated with the vocals wrapped around them.

The voice of Ma-Te Lin is gentle like a breeze, but their lyrics are deep like a stone submerged into the sea. Themes of nature are reoccurring but as mentioned, the focus is on mistreating animals and promotes change for the better. Her voice is not only mesmerizing but also can be impactful in a simplistic but powerful way. The way she rides her singing onto the soothing synthesizers adds to the beauty of this majestic treasure of an EP.

"Ancient Mark" definitley leaves a lasting impression unto the ears of the listener and should be considered a delicate sonic masterpiece. The lyrics change minds and perceptions without sacrificing the integrity of true art. Ma-Te Lin uses Electronic music coupled with dove-like singing in a genuineley positive way that is lacking in most commercial music. This EP should be listened to with open ears and open heart, to change an open mind. - Jesse Till

The artists of electronica music from Taipei known as Ma-Te Lin have released their spearhead debut EP album, “Ancient Mark.” The album is comprised of three original tracks for a total playing time of 12 minutes. It has been released on the Dark Paradise Records music label. An open and vehement indictment of humanity’s maltreatment of animals and of nature in general, “Ancient Mark” is compassionate, powerful, beautiful, and a stunning introduction for the western world to one of Taiwan’s most brilliant musical treasures.

The sound of “Ancient Mark” is soft, yet complex, profound, yet delicate. It recalls the sound of bands such as Portishead, though not as dark and brooding. It utilizes many effects and tones reminiscent of the French duo, Air, also. In addition to these excellent and well-loved artistic influences, Ma-Te Lin cites also the work of Kimbra, Fiona Apple, Lana Del Rey, and Imogen Heap. Much of their crystalline sound is derived from the endlessly pretty, subtle, almost whispering voice of female lead singer Asha.

Like Air, Ma-Te Lin is a musical duo with a full sound that is almost orchestral. The other half of the band is DJ and music producer Shao-Yong Huang. The two have been collaborating as Ma-Te Lin since 2012, making theirs a fairly fresh and new creative endeavor. Also deserving much credit is their artistic liaison, Mina Shin, who creates fabulous, minimalistic visual art for their records that illustrates the tales and topics dealt with at length in “Ancient Mark.”

Commenting on these themes candidly, Ma-Te Lin writes, “We are inspired by many stories involving human and animal interaction, including the abuse of elephants, and the effect on wildlife after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. Ma-Te Lin is an observer hiding behind the dark side of society. We try to translate her imagination into music to share with her listeners.”

The soothing, flowing gorgeousness of “Ancient Mark” by Ma-Te Lin is available online worldwide beginning July of 2013. - S. McCauley