Amanda Ling Leaves Electrico

It’s official: according to the Straits Times, Amanda Ling has left Electrico, leaving the group down to the trio of Dave Tan, William Lim Jr and Desmond Tan.

Last year, I’d written about Daniel Sassoon’s departure, and noted how the band managed to cope with their loss, with Amanda stepping up to the plate and filling in the gap (which I felt she’d done a really good job of). Now that she’s gone, I wonder how Electrico will be able to cope.

When I first knew Electrico, they were a straight up rock n’ roll band, characterised by their catchy tunes and guitar riffs; Amanda was without a doubt, part of their unique appeal that shot them to fame. She was a fresh break from a rather male-centric scene. (After all, in 2004, there weren’t many rock chicks with such personality.) It’d be pretty safe to say that she’s probably the band’s most prominent member after Dave (some may argue otherwise). At that, I am curious as to how the band will be able to move on with a key member missing – both in terms of their ability to pull off their repertoire live, and to a lesser extent, their marketing appeal.

What brings an interesting twist to this particular saga is the additional involvement of lawyers this time around. (Okay, so Daniel Sassoon was a lawyer, but that doesn’t really count). Amanda’s engaged a top counsel, Subhas Anandan (better known for defending high-profile suspects facing the death penalty) to advise her on the matter, and she’s also requested that their manager, Ms Marcia Tan, produce a statement of accounts. Could there have been a row or conflict amongst the band members which led to her departure? One can only speculate.

Nevertheless, I am excited to see how things pan out for the new Electrico, particularly how they will sound live from now on, as well as their involvement in this year’s National Day Parade. (The band’s doing the theme song this year; you’d be blind/deaf not to notice them when that time comes, so just look out for it!)

In addition, I would very much like to see Amanda back in the scene again. After all, Daniel Sassoon dived back into the scene with In Each Hand A Cutlass, who will be performing at this year’s Baybeats.

While we’re at it, here’s an extract of Electrico’s press release [from voize]:

1. With effect from June 1st 2009 Electrico shall return to a 3-man
group as Ms Amanda Ling, their keyboardist for 5 years has left the
group.

2. On her decision, William Lim Jr, drummer comments, “I feel
disappointed that she wishes to leave but we have to respect her
decision.”

3. Dave Tan, frontman and guitarist adds “I’ve learnt that it’s part
and parcel of the process for a band to go through its phases, looks
like its time for us to move to another one, while the prospect is
still exciting, we will miss Amanda and we wish her the best in her
pursuits.”

4. With the exit of Amanda Ling and after an assiduous period of
promoting their 3rd album, “We Satellites”, Electrico made the
decision to return to their original roots of a three-piece
band. Says bassist Desmond Goh “Amanda’s departure saddens us. But
we will soldier on as the original members of Electrico.”

5. The change in structure does not affect any of the projects which
the group has undertaken. Electrico is currently working on a
National Day Parade project and have since been fulfilling their job
as a trio.

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