There’s nothing more exciting than going into a show not quite knowing what to expect. Under the guise of a ‘scouting’ trip, I headed over to NEO Bar last Friday to see check out some of new bands that have been causing a stir in the neighboring regions – with a group of bands from Jiaxing, Suzhou, Nantong, and Wuhu converging on the Yangpu rock and roll hub. There’s something heartening to see bands build networks like this – a motley crew of young, spirited, and wide-eyed artists looking to make some noise. Even more impressive, was how much of a punch these four bands packed. 

From the reverb-heavy shoegaze-laced pop of Wuhu’s Opposite, an act that wasted no time in leaving their mark and cementing themselves as one of the best new bands out there. 

To the refined rustic post punk theatrics of Jiaxing’s 0311 and the more cerebral noise rock-inflicted Blue Liquid of Nantong – who both have gone through quite the sonic overhaul in the past year to great effect. 

To finally, Acid Room, out of Suzhou, whose combustible mix of grunge, post punk, and noise rock felt cathartic – the perfect way to close out the evening. A hot-blooded, rip-roaring evening of rock and roll and proof there’s plenty of the new generation has to say.

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Serious Desperado 严肃的走钢丝者, Acid Room 酸的房间, Zhu You Hui 祝游会, Decision at Night 夜晚做决定 at Yuyintang 育音堂 2024.1.05

It’s amazing how the youth can mobilize when they put it all out there. A community of open-hearted, hot-blooded musicians rocking out in all earnestness. Last Friday show the gathering of some of the scene’s freshest contenders – bands that have spent the last year finding their voice, finding each other, and striking a chord with audiences. 

This much was evident from Serious Desperado严肃的走钢丝者 – the emo noise trio from Changzhou that took 2023 by the horns and quickly made a name for themselves. Visceral, emotional, and full-bodied – the band were saying their ‘see you laters’ – a self-imposed hiatus – likely so the band could gain some perspective on what they accomplished in the past year. Take your time – we’ll be waiting. 

The evening also bid adieu to Acid Room酸的房间, from Suzhou, another band that was just saying to gain some traction (their one released song ‘摇曳山川’ is still one of my favorite tunes from 2023) – but something tells me they’ll be back in another form.

This was also my fresh go-around with Decision at Night夜晚做决定 – the heart-on-their-sleeves emo rockers from Hangzhou whose sincerity and love for the genre rings true. They may be rough around the edges but I can’t wait to see where they go from here. 

Likewise for Zhu You Hui 祝游会, a math rock troupe who are quite adept at the musical intricacies of the genre, despite their rotating vocalists left a little to be desired (and simply didn’t add much to the deft instrumental rock on display)

Above all though, it was a thrill to see so many young bands (and fans) enamored with what they were doing, giving themselves over to the music. An emo night to remember indeed. 

The post Gig Recap: Serious Desperado/Acid Room/Zhu You Hui/Decision at Night (2024.1.05) first appeared on .