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Last week (Saturday) saw a gathering of old college/uni mates. It has been a while since I last met this bunch of misfits. For the occasion, we decided to head on out to the Curve for a Karaoke session at Red Box. The appointment was for 7.30pm. However, due to some work commitments, we were fashionably late (by fashionably late, I mean an hour, which is reasonable when you factor in Malaysia Rubber Time).

By the time we arrived, everyone was already there and the singing (some might consider it croaking) had begun. There were eight of us including WL and I. The lot of us were squeezed into room 21. The room was spacious, with the usual furniture (long couches, tables, and poofs). The television was smaller than the one we had at Neway but it served its purpose.

The price for a karaoke session at Red Box varies depending on the time of day, and the day itself. On top of that, they also have different packages for different occasions which included different things. The one that we had included two drinks, and 3 1/2 hours worth of non-stop karaoke mayhem. We were charged seperately for the buffet.

In terms of food, the buffet was nothing to shout about. The spread was a very simple one, consisting of fried noodles, fried rice, spaghetti, a few main courses (fish, chicken, lamb, beef, cuttlefish, and vegetables), some finger food, a very small selection of dimsum, crackers, waffles, and deserts.

In terms of song selection, they have a rather comprehensive one. Friends tell me that Red Box has better (and more current) song selections compared to other joints. Since I’m not exactly a fan of karaoke and don’t frequent such places on a regular basis (this being my second time), I’ll just have to take their word for it.

I was quite hungry when I arrived so I decided to forego the songs and head straight to the buffet. Two plates of food and a waffle later, I had satisfied my stomach enough to show an interest in singing. Now my idea of a smashing good time at a karaoke bar involves me screaming my voice hoarse. I am not one for mushy songs cause I neither have the voice nor the patience for them. The love songs are usually too slow, boring, and has strange tempos (IMHO) to sing with any great accuracy. For that reason, I tend to prefer fast paced rock songs to which I can shout my lungs out and release some pent up stress.

It was therefore unfortunate that my friends seemed to prefer slow love balads. For the love of all things good, leave those songs for when you’re bathing and break out the real songs damnit! The overdose was so great that for a moment, I thought they had just ended a relationship and were heart broken.

All was not lost though. After waiting for a bit, the string of love songs finally died down and were replaced with some familiar shout-till-your-throat-is-sore songs. The best of the night for me was ‘All The Small Things’ by Blink 182. Lovely song, especially the chorus. After two hours of laughing, singing, and screaming, everything was a blur (talk about tunnel vision!).

And then came the bill:

• Tidbits (4 bowls of muruku) = RM28.00
• Vegetable chips (2 packets) = RM12.00
• Buffet dinner (RM10 per pax) = RM80.00
• Head charge (RM44 per pax) = RM352.00
• 10% Service charge = RM47.20
• 5% Govt tax = RM23.60
• - RM50.00 discount voucher
• Total = RM492.80

My eyes almost popped out of their sockets when I saw the final tally. My friend who booked the room had told me earlier that it would cost us around RM50.00 (maybe less) per person. Punching the numbers through the calculator, the figure that came back was RM61.60 per person! That’s a little too pricey for my taste. I think I’ll stick with lunch time sessions which cost around RM12.00 a pop inclusive of a set lunch. That is more worth it.

After settling the bill, we had enough time left over to squeeze in a few songs before they shut the system down on us, kicking us out to make room for the next bunch of karaoke addicts out for a quick (but expensive) midnight fix. We adjourned to Starbucks for some refreshments and conversation. After all, with the loud music and general din, karaoke joints aren’t the best places for chit chat.

Overall, I had a good time. I suppose that at the end of the day, karaoke sessions invariably boils down to the company you keep. If the bunch is happening, then you’ll very likely have a good time. Otherwise, its going to be a long dull bore. Its a good thing then, that the company this time round was great (and rather sporting). The food was good enough to satisfy my appetite. However, I think that Neway serves better.

It is unfortunate that it came with such a big price tag. While I’m not a diehard karaoke fan, it does have some appeal. I recommend lunch time sessions. It is a lot more economical, and you get the chance to shut yourself in a dark airconditioned room, away from the afternoon heat. Just remember to bring some good company with you (preferably those with similar tastes in music).

Red Box Karaoke @ The Curve
Lot 135 1st floor, The Curve,
No.6 Jalan PJU 7/3,
Mutiara Damansara,
47800 PJ Selangor

Tel: +603-7728 1133
Fax: +603-7728 9393
Business Hours: 11:00 am till forever…

Website: Chinese || English