Hainan-born electronic producer Guzz, known for his dreamlike pastiche of traditional Asian sounds spliced with contemporary electronica is simply put, one of the finest in the scene – a visionary whose ability to create lush, fantastical worlds of sound never ceases to amaze me (he ever produced some of my favorite albums over the past couple of years including last year’s Fantasia in the Wind 风中的幻想曲). So was hard to pass up an opportunity to check him out (and avoid my eventual demise over at Neo).

Truly striking work – Guzz performed a slew of his tracks taking over duties of piano and melodica – the latter instrument which has never sounded better or more evocative. The artist also gave listeners (most of whom wisely took to the floor to soak in the stunning visuals) a taste of his roots with – with a couple of repurposed Hainan folk songs stuck in the middle. Really love how he splices and terraforms electronic sounds into something contemporary and orchestral – making me wonder if someone will ever give this man a full-blown orchestra in the future. It’s soundtrack music that’s deeply woven. Support from Hangzhou’s own sound explorer Cai Lanbing of kirakiro and Jimaoda.

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Another year, another ‘Bunch of Noise’…My mind kept wandering over to a quote posted by one of the attendees in the lead-up to the two-day festival – ‘noise is the only sentiment that reminds me of freedom’. I think as I’ve gotten older my brain has strived to engage with my surroundings in more acute ways – to be shocked, moved, and even befuddled – and noise and experimental music seems to have filled that void. 

Pure expression, abstract exploration, or just unhinged anarchy – there’s both a visceral quality and a liberated affection to how performers in this field relay their sentiments and how the community around it actively encourages one another. 

Bunch of Noise was no different. Audiences jumping on stage to plug a contact mic back in, performers conspiring to ambush another active performer, and audience members screaming both as catharsis and as a gesture of respect and comradely. I wasn’t suspect to every moment throughout the three-day event so I won’t try to recap every set though there are moments that will forever be engrained into my psychosis and moments that had me giddy with excitement.

But what I took away from A Bunch of Noise this year was it brought together artists and people from all walks of life – creatives who relish the off-beaten path, whether from a technical more intellectual standpoint or a more instinctive performative outlook. An experience unsurpassed in China – and one I can’t wait to partake in again next year.

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While normally considered an electronic club, SYSTEM has in the past put on plenty of live events. And from the sound of it, they’re looking to get back into the habit. Which I’m all for – cause as far as atmosphere goes SYSTEM is one of the best nightlife spots to visit – a concrete utopia that always seems up for some fun. And what better acts to bring through there than an assortment of post punk, electronic and cold wave acts.

This was my debut with synth rock trio SHOT – who use their minimal set-up to great degree – concocting a spirited, nervy retro new wave sound that evoked everything from Talking Heads to the sprawling electronic improvisations of white+. Tons of fun and can’t wait to have them back.

Meanwhile, the cold wave menace and cool edge of UNTERWASSER was a perfect fit for the venue, and it’s great to see them continue to stretch their arms and share the spotlight on stage. It truly feels like a fully-fleshed band up there – and their charisma is really beginning to shine through their dystopian sound.

This was Dizzy Dizzy Yellow Puppy’s night to reign though as the young Nanjing band came out swinging for a riotous, unruly set that found them in their element. Track after track loaded with instrumental heft, wily energy and a ‘devil may care’ attitude that had the audience buzzing.

Thanks to SYSTEM, to the bands and everyone who came out to support local music.

The post Gig Recap: SHOT, Dizzy Dizzy Yellow Puppy, UNTERWASSER(2024.3.22) first appeared on .

Maybe Mars – the long-standing indie label that helped put the Chinese rock scene on the map over a decade back with their roster of reverb-heavy sound, showed off their new roster this past Saturday at SYSTEM. Each band is fresh off their debut this past year, and each continuing and breaking free from the labels renowned sound. 

Kenja Time may be the greenest of the bunch, but they have plenty to offer as they lean into the softer more somber aspect of post punk. Musically it’s more sparse, with just enough of an instrumental rock edge to give their songs a woozy exploration that complements some of their more twisty and propulsive arrangements. An art-house band that fit in nicely with SYSTEMS bare-bones setup. 

Meanwhile, Nouvelle, out of Guangzhou, showcased their high-pitched noise rock that sways between cathartic emo rock and reverb-heavy indie pop. Lots of fun these cats and love how its members switch up vocal duties every once in a while. Not every song is a winner but when they hit you’re in tween indie rock heaven. 

Last but not least, Wuhan post punk outfit ROMO – whose emphasis on the bendy knot-inducing guitar noise, propulsive bass, and somber vocals has made their debut one of my favorites of the year. It’s moody, atmospheric yet always circles back in its melodic drive. And based on the crowd reception (minus the one lost soul who couldn’t keep his shit together) they were the highlights of the evening. 

Now if only I could figure out how to take proper pictures in SYSTEM. 

The post Gig Recap: Nouvelle, Kenja Time, ROMO (2021.12.18) first appeared on .

SYSTEM the new livehouse/club/art space/theater space – located on Middle Huaihai Road – has been testing the waters in how to utilize their kick-ass space over the past month and I’m all for it. Serious potential there and it’s nice to see they mix it up and try to stand out. Their newest endeavor is COOKIES – which have them setting up a space for the experimental, improvisational, and other offbeat characters of the underground scene on Thursday nights. I decide to pop in for a couple of hours last week to see what the vibe was like and I’m all for it.

The evening kicked off with my new Christmas tradition of Torturing Nurse – the OG analogue harbinger of harsh noise and audial chaos in these parts. And yeah you’re either team Torturing Nurse or you’re calling the cops on this individual who’s actively trying to destroy your circuit box whilst wreaking havoc upon your ears. I love how much more anxious and unsettling it is when he steps back and allows the silence to cut through like a blade. And props for tossing together an art installation midway through the set – a piece that I’m certain people who came in later thought was part of an exhibition. 

I was also in awe of Dong Yifan – particularly for his masterful performance on the flute and saxophone. It’s clear our man is a mercenary musician of the highest order, so to see him fall into himself this much more was truly something. Did I mention he was simultaneously throat singing and playing the flute? Definitely a cat to keep your eyes out for. Skills out of this world. 

Blur Jesus, the ever-evoking coupling of Midori and Aming, seems to be fleshing itself, even more, utilizing the pairs’ offbeat yet melodically pleasing synth-soaked, guitar looping, psych electronica to new effect. A lot of interesting ingredients at play here and while the core appeal of the act is its playful elasticity, I can see the two making a splash in clubs and venues across town in the future. 

Already at this point, I was more than convinced at the idea of COOKIES and the kernels of discovery and freedom it could provide Shanghai. And while I snuck around for a bit of Lochoi’s set as well as some more flow and fire spinning (courtesy of TinE) I had to make the journey home before midnight, telling myself I didn’t miss a thing. Boy was I wrong.

Holy molly – you crazy beautiful bastards. 

Pop into SYSTEM on Thursdays for COOKIES – free of charge by the way. Whether or not it’s your cup of tea, trust me – it’ll surprise you. 

The post Gig Recap: Torturing Nurse, Dong Yifan, Blur Jesus (2021.12.09) first appeared on .