Spiral Kinetic Circus (SKC) Coffee Special Blend

Early Years

“Spiral Kinetic Circus” was established in 1992 by Fathullah Luqman Yusuff , also known as Fathul. Being a passionate songwriter from a young age, Fathul constantly sought new avenues to give life to the myriad of creative ideas within his soul.

Hailing from Alor Setar, Kedah, Fathul ventured into the underground music scene in the late 80s, initially playing in a punk hardcore band called “Teenage Mutants.” By the end of 1989 with the urge to expand his artistic creativity, Fathul migrated to Kuala Lumpur, the capital city. He joined forces with new companions to form a grindcore/industrial band named “Infectious Maggots” (Maggots). Concurrent with the establishment of Spiral Kinetic Circus (SKC), Fathul continued his involvement with Maggots. 

During this period, he dedicated significant time to visiting music studios such as Amerah at Pertama Complex, Hellion at Medan Mara, and Wasiat at Kompleks Wilayah. Apart from immersing himself in music, he often frequented restaurants in Central Market, socializing with fellow members of the underground scene. Prior to forming SKC, Fathul briefly collaborated with Joe Kidd’s project band, “Deflowered,” which centered around punk music. After parting ways with the band, he embarked on the creation of SKC.

The band’s name, “Spiral Kinetic Circus,” was conceived by Fathul himself. The term “Spiral” symbolizes the expansion and growth of their music from a single point, akin to a whirlpool. “Kinetic” represents the energy and dynamism generated through their music, while “Circus” evokes the idea of a gathering place for entertainment and creativity.

After months of dedicated rehearsals, SKC received an invitation to participate in the inaugural local alternative compilation album titled “Circle of Friends.” This compilation, released in 1993, was produced and released under the local label Sonic Asylum Records, which was then managed by Joe Kidd. The album featured a diverse range of 10 local alternative bands that were active in the Central Market scene at the time, spanning various genres such as pop, indie, punk, folk, hardcore, and more. Notable bands featured on the compilation included Flop Poppy, Subculture, ART, Carburetor Dung, Deflowered, and others. SKC contributed an energetic indie pop track titled “Iris” to this compilation, showcasing their distinctive musical style.

The release of the “Circle of Friends” compilation album marked a significant milestone in the Malaysian music scene, as it was the country’s first alternative compilation album. This album garnered a highly positive response from local music enthusiasts and played a crucial role in ushering the era of alternative music in Malaysia. During that period, the music industry in Malaysia was predominantly dominated by metal. Hijrah/The Pilgrims stood out as one of the earliest alternative bands to release a full-length album.

The release of the compilation album sparked a new musical trend within the local underground music scene. As a result of the compilation’s success, SKC received an invitation to perform at their first gig, which took place at the Machine One Club in the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. They shared the stage with other notable bands such as Naked Butterfly, Infectious Maggots and The Pilgrims. This inaugural gig was a significant moment for SKC, as it provided them with an opportunity to showcase their music to a live audience.

Following their debut performance, SKC went on to participate in another noteworthy gig, the “Music Alternative Showcase Part 2,” held in Ampang. The line-up for this showcase included bands like Mutilation and Flop Poppy. The event drew an overwhelming response from fans, with approximately 400 attendees from various parts of the state. However, due to capacity limitations, the club could only accommodate 200 spectators. This gig left a lasting impression on SKC, further solidifying their presence and popularity within the alternative music scene.

Classic Line-Up, Gig & Demo

After a series of gigs, the band faced a split as its members pursued different paths. Edman, the bassist, decided to further his studies in the United States, Azmir, the vocalist, joined a new band called United Colours of Frustration as a drummer, and Ajax, the drummer, relocated to Johor to pursue education at Politeknik and went on to form the thrash metal band Catarrh. Nazeri, the guitarist, joined the alternative band Rogue Covet and recorded two songs for the compilation album “Alternative Collection” under Dark Journey Rec. With the departure of the other members, Fathul was left alone.

Despite the setbacks, Fathul’s passion for music remained strong, and he couldn’t forget about SKC. He had a cassette demo filled with indie songs that had yet to be recorded. Driven by his determination, Fathul returned to Kuala Lumpur with the intention of reviving SKC and bringing their music back to life. His determination to continue the musical journey led him to seek out new collaborators. He reached out to his old friend Andy from Flop Poppy, who joined as the bassist, and Ken from The Onaniys, who took on the guitar duties. Additionally, Jijoe (Stoned Crows) contributed his exceptional guitar skills to complement the band’s sound. To complete the line-up, Ajin Blackrose stepped in as the drummer.

In 1996, together, they embarked on a recording project, capturing the essence of SKC’s music in five carefully crafted songs. Utilizing Ajin’s home studio in Brickfields, they harnessed their creativity and dedication to produce a demo tape that showcased their artistic vision. These five songs represented the culmination of their collective efforts and marked a new chapter for SKC.

The demo tape found a special place in the music scene when it was released in 1996 as a split demo alongside Dead Mushroom, a promising new grunge band from Kuala Lumpur. This collaboration allowed SKC to reach a wider audience and make their presence felt in the local music landscape. The split demo served as a testament to the resilience and artistic growth of SKC, showcasing their ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to their musical identity.

In early 1997, SKC embarked on a series of exhilarating live performances to promote their demo. The momentum continued to build as SKC received invitations to showcase their musics in Kuala Lumpur (venues such as Fire Discotheque, Skoobs Books, and various colleges within the capital city), Seremban and Langkawi, expanding their reach beyond the bustling city limits. These gigs served as valuable opportunities for SKC to captivate new audiences and solidify their presence in the alternative music scene. The band’s captivating performances resonated with audiences, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed their electrifying shows.

The combination of their captivating live performances, widespread gig invitations, and the remarkable success of their split demo cemented SKC’s status as an emerging force in the alternative music scene. Their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to their craft positioned them as a band to watch, destined for even greater achievements in the future.

Simultaneously, the sales of SKC’s split demo soared to impressive heights, garnering recognition and acclaim. The quality of their music and the band’s unique artistic expression resonated deeply with listeners, propelling their demo to become one of the top three contenders in the final poll of Blasting Concept. Managed by the esteemed Joe Kidd and featured in The Star newspaper, this poll highlighted SKC’s exceptional talent and reaffirmed their growing prominence within the music industry.

Debut Album “Sweetened Condensed Tunes for the Broken-Hearted”

Following the tremendous response to their split demo, SKC was presented with a remarkable opportunity—a recording contract from an independent label. Recognizing the potential and artistic value of this collaboration, the band eagerly embraced the offer, marking a significant milestone in their musical journey.

In April 1997, SKC commenced recording sessions at Twin Studio Redifussion, determined to capture their creative vision and bring their music to life. Guided by the expertise of Ajin, who served as both drummer and producer, the band embarked on an immersive recording experience, driven by their shared passion and commitment to their craft. The collective talents and synergy of these individuals converged to create a dynamic and harmonious recording environment.

With their hearts ablaze and creative energies at their peak, SKC immersed themselves in the recording process, channelling their emotions, experiences, and artistic expression into the nine songs they laid down in the studio. As they concluded the recording process, the band felt a profound sense of accomplishment, knowing that they had poured their hearts and souls into every track – each note, every lyric and every instrumental and sound effect arrangement. This debut album would serve as a testament to their artistic evolution and mark the beginning of a new chapter in their musical journey.

In May 1997, the highly anticipated debut album “Sweetened Condensed Tunes for the Broken-Hearted” was unveiled to the world. Released by Independent Records in both CD and cassette formats, this album served as a testament to SKC’s distinctive brand of indie pop music. The album boasted a collection of captivating tracks that resonated deeply with listeners. Songs like “Sunflower,” “Mr. Alien,” and “Wake Up” captured the essence of SKC’s musical genius, combining infectious melodies with heartfelt lyrics that explored themes of love, longing, and personal introspection.

One noteworthy addition to the album was a re-recorded version of the beloved song “Iris,” which held a special place in the hearts of SKC’s dedicated fanbase. This new rendition breathed fresh life into the track, offering a renewed perspective while retaining its emotive qualities.

The album’s release was met with resounding success, as fans flocked to obtain their copies of this indie pop gem. SKC’s music resonated with a wide range of listeners, transcending boundaries and captivating audiences with its distinctive charm and accessible melodies. The band’s ability to craft songs that effortlessly blended infectious hooks and relatable lyrics showcased their artistic finesse and unique musical identity.

“Sweetened Condensed Tunes for the Broken-hearted” marked a significant milestone in SKC’s career, solidifying their position as purveyors of captivating indie pop and bright pop music. The album’s impressive sales and the adoration it received from fans affirmed the band’s creative vision and cemented their place within the vibrant music landscape.

With their catchy melodies, relatable lyrics, and an unmistakable charm, SKC’s music left an indelible mark on the hearts of their listeners, offering solace and resonating with those navigating the complexities of love and the human experience.