Noise Pollution: Re-TROS, LBM Xmas Mixer, Ronnie Burrage Quartet, Susu Yan, Sound Sculpture
Time to get in the holiday spirit as every venue, organizer, and band looks to cash in on the Christmas that's been hollowed out by every brand imaginable including yours truly. But any excuse to throw two evenings in a row of shows is fine by me – so be sure to stop LBM’s Xmas Mixer on Friday and Saturday at DDC – we promise to go easy on the eggnog. Here’s your weekend holiday roundup.
Friday, Dec 22
Re-TROS at Tango
After years of waiting, Re-TROS returned with their opus, After The Applause, a sprawling genre-expanding album that takes everything from krautrock, post-punk, to blistering techno and ambient pop, and not so much tosses it into the blender but molds it in their ever eccentric and unique vision. For a band I was assured had run out of gas, it can’t be stated how much expectations were mounted and surpassed on this release – which has received quite a few bit of press across the globe. The band just returned from their massively successful tour with Depeche Mode, so yeah, they’re having a bit of a moment. RMB 240
Rhonda, Wasted Laika, OK Beng, Joker’s Belief at DDC
Day One of Live Beijing Music’s Xmas Mixer brings is a solid mix of veteran acts matched up with some of the scene’s hottest new acts. For the past month the talk of the town has been Wasted Laika, the scruffy ragtag team of fresh-faced post-punk infused garage rockers who have been lighting up venue after venue. Catch them before they hit it big in 2018. Joining them are the new and improved instrumental rockers Rhonda, bringing forth their new lineup and a fierce blend of prog rock, math rock, melody and aggression. Catch the spunky girl pop-punk group OK Beng whose adolescence shines through their lively, jittery sets and finally neo-soul troupe Joker’s Belief whose deep catalog of funk-filled jams will have you moving in no time. RMB 60
Shave N’ Shut, Ouch, Discord, Free Sex Shop, Drunkard at School
School Bar’s ‘Beijing Power’ series return with a punk all star lineup featuring oi punks Shave n' Shut, ska-punk legends Ouch, Beijing punk royalty Discord, female punk foursome Free Sex Shop, and the lively grunge rockers Drunkard. Hell of a lot of talent there – best be ready to mosh pit your way to nirvana. RMB 80
Jungle Mico Project at Temple
The live dub band – and one of Temple’s biggest hitters – return with their last gig of the year as they to present their new album Dream in the Dance. Led by the well-known electronic drummer Mico, the ensemble mixes elements of ‘live drum'n'bass, dubstep, dub, breakbeats, deep techno, and more – all performed live on real instruments in real time.’ FREE
1043 Rap Team, Wootac, A-Mac, Shuang Bang, Da Wu Tong, She San, Drop Science, D0Mie, Lil Rong, Bluso, Young Clan, Dirty J, Muti, Yan Bang Attack, Lofthestar at Tango
Cause it ain’t a weekend without a blow out hip-hop show, once again at Tango, giving the mic to a wide array of rappers and hip-hop stars of the underground scene including Wootac, Drop Science, Lil Rong, and a hell of a lot more. This monster kicks off at 2pm so best pace yourself young hip-hop enthusiasts. RMB 180
Tydi Knots, Beijing Bandits, Puneet Vohra at Caravan
Indian Musician, Puneet Vohra, known for being the lead vocalist and founder of the New Delhi based rock band Soul Inclination, performs at Caravan alongside shirtless alt rockers Tydi Knots and the Texas raised Beijing Bandits. RMB 50
Ananke, Starr69, Shanyi at Omni Space
Three diverse electrifying sounds converge at Yue Space as triphop duo Ananke joins ‘melodramatic’ indie pop outfit Shanyi, and up and coming electropop band Starr69. RMB 60
Nathan Borofka, Li Eryang, Uncle Hu, The Sino Hearts at Mogu Space
Mogu Space dips toward the rock and roll side of things as 6os-evoking musician Li Eryang joins American folk punk singer Nathan Borofka, indie outfit Uncle Hu and power pop favorites The Sino Hearts for some down and dirty fun this Friday in Xizhimen. RMB 60
Duan Tongyuan at Yue Space
The Shanghai indie folk singer-songwriter Duan Tongyuan swings through Beijing with his backing band and collection of hits which cause a big stir on the interwebz. RMB 100
3Mi at Snail Hostel (Pinganli)
Neither folk nor rock nor pop, the singer-songwriter Zhang San Mi presents her dream pop-infused debut tonight at Pinganli. RMB 80
Gao Feng at Yugong Yishan
R&B soul-pop outfit G-Eleven and its lead singer Gao Feng celebrate the release of the soulful singer’s latest album with a performance at Yugong Yishan. RMB 150 (I’d double check before venturing to YGYS – they’re not quite off the hook yet)
Elliot Zon & Tree Monkeys, Redundant Seconds at Soi Baochao
Playing a wide range of classics, from the Beatles and David Bowie, all the way to modern classics from MGMT and Omnipotent Youth Society as well as a few originals, Elliot Zon and the Tree Monkeys join veteran indie rock punk outfit Redundant Seconds at the Baochao dive. FREE
Wu and The Side Effects at The Bricks
Wu and The Side Effects, founded in November 2003, follow the traditional roots of blues and funk with an infectious rhythm that congeals with the past philosophy laid down by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and other rock greats. FREE
Susu Yan at Jianghu Bar
Indie singer-songwriter Susu Yan also studied journalism at the University of Missouri. Her music is influenced by her travels around the world, folk ballads, jazz, and new-aged minimalism. She doesn’t aim to sound sweet, but makes pure, simple tunes that delight her audiences. See her at the cozy Jianghu. RMB 60
Ronnie Burrage Quartet w/ Wayne Escoffery at Blue Note
Downbeat Critics Poll Winner and Grammy Award-winning tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery, one of the Jazz world’s most talented rising stars and in-demand sidemen hits up Blue Note for two evenings alongside acclaimed band leader and percussionist Ronnie Burrage. RMB 320
The Hunters at Modernista
Beijing’s hottest crowd-pleasing outfit One of Beijing’s best foreign cover bands The Hunters combine old school funk, soul, and rock classics with intoxicating delivery. FREE
Saturday, Dec 23
Backspace, TOSS, bREAKtHEdOLL, DFA1989 at DDC
Day two of LBM’s Xmas Mixer gets downright dangerous with an explosive mix of noise rock, doom punk, grunge hang-ups, and straight up chaos, according to our distinguished guest, bREAKtHEdOLL, a former Beijing mainstay of the noise and experimental scene who moved to Shanghai earlier this year to wreak havoc, whose sets are wildly unpredictable. He’ll be joined by one of 2017’s hottest live acts, indie kids Backspace, whose infectious blend of surf rock and psychedelic noise rock earned them an album deal with Maybe Mars and tons of fans – they’ll be trotting a guest keyboardist (from Sweden!) for the occasion so don’t miss out. Rounding out the bill are heavy grunge rockers TOSS and the infamous DFA1989 – Death F**k ABBA 1989 – another troupe whose sets intend to mystify and sometimes terrify by summoning walls of noise and psychedelic gloom. Expect the unexpected – including a surprise DJ set from Beijing traitor Dee. RMB 70
Hell City, Unregenerate Blood, Last Resort, Uncle Bad, Shave N’ Shut at Temple
Beijing’s Real Deal label and HKB join forces for a bit of the old chaos – a hardcore, punk festival featuring oi punks, hardcore veterans, and mohawks galore all looking to make some havoc and deliver one exhilarating performance after another. FREE
Diagon Alley, Mr. Honey, Future Orients, Joker’s Belief, Boos Cuts (DJ Set) at School
Indie rock groovers Future Orients are back in the game – joining them are the big band pain easers Mr. Honey, neo-funk-soul troupe Joker’s Belief, and Britpop rockers Diagon Alley. And if that wasn’t enough, Boss Cuts will be on hand spinning sweet sweet vinyl into the night. RMB 80
Sound Sculpture at Fruityspace
Over at Fruityspace, Nico Mazzei of Nakoma/Nekroma/Sound Sculpture/Never Before will be presenting a solo exhibition of paintings he’s been working on. The exhibition starts at 5p.m, and then experimental psychedelic ambient soundscapers Sound Sculpture will perform at 8.30pm. FREE
Pathogen, Kepler, All Sixes, Antu, All Unknown, The ProzaX, New School Choir, Heartland, 4U, Bobby’s Satellite at Yue Space
Yue Space makes merry this holiday season with a Christmas Eve’s Eve show featuring a hefty lineup of rockers from the label Drunk Gang. From the poppy rock of 4U, to the psych-folk of Bobby’ Satellite, as well as sets from Pathogen, Kepler, All Sixes, Antu, All Unknown, The ProzaX, New School Choir, and Heartland. RMB 120 (8pm start)
Moscoman (RO), Distant Echoes (IT), Local Suicide (GR), Shao, Kaishandao at Lantern
Lantern Club gets an early start for this globally kinetic electronic showcase featuring some wall-toppling domestic and European acts including Romanian-Israeli producer Moscoman, Italian techno groover Distant Echoes, DJ duo from Israel Local Suicide, as well as Chengdu’s Kaishandao and our own local hero Shao. RMB 100
Secret Club, Pacalolo at Jianghu Bar
The DOG crew take a relaxing evening at Jianghu Bar as the lively electropop duo Pacalolo join Britpop faves Secret Club at the cozy hutong joint. RMB 60
3Bangz, B3Rich, Luxixi, David’s L!VE, Pang Mailang at Mao Livehouse
Guangzhou rap sensation 3Bangz rolls through town with his crew 4MaticBros and they’re gonna get the party going over in Wukesong as the artist joins B3Rich, Pang Mingtao and DJ producers Luxixi and David’s L!VE. RMB 200
Tydi Knots, Ban, Whale at Soi Baochao
Harding hitting alternative rockers Tydi Knots whose unique blend of emo, grunge, and post-punk has made them a recent favorite, join indie acoustic artist Whale, and Ban for some Baochao hijinks. RMB 30
Templo Do Samba Christmas Pagode at Caravan
Celebrate Feliz Natal with Templo do Samba bringing you the sounds of a Pagode, with a hearty mix of samba latin flavors. RMB 70
Los Crasher, The Cars at Yugong Yishan
Tight jean wearing rockers Los Crasher – the embodiment of classic rock and a staple of the scene close out their 45 city nationwide tour and usher in their new album Game Face over at Yugong Yishan. RMB 100
Ronnie Burrage Quartet w/ Wayne Escoffery at Blue Note
Downbeat Critics Poll Winner and Grammy Award-winning tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery, one of the Jazz world’s most talented rising stars and in-demand sidemen hits up Blue Note for evening two of his Beijing stint alongside acclaimed band leader and percussionist Ronnie Burrage. RMB 320
One Drop Band at Modernista
Catch the essence of reggae this evening of Bob Marley tributes as One Drop Band takes the Modernista's stage. One more fantastic pre-Christmas party. FREE
Mr. Freeman at The Bricks
The Belgian-Chinese blues-rock outfit Mr. Freeman get festive over at The Bricks. RMB 60
Jin Song at Mogu Space
The Yunnan raised singer-songwriter presents his newest work inspired by the Jia Zhangke film 24 Hour City. RMB 100
Xu Chang at La Plantation
From Tibet, Xu Chang, founder of Himalaya Bowl Therapy Inheritor, independent musician, and the founder of Ya Shu Sound Bowl Therapy Studio brings his amazing singing bowls and healing music to La Plantation. 7pm start. RMB 200
Sunday, Dec 24
Mr. Honey, Brickleberry, Puneet Vohra at Temple
Temple knows exactly how to bring some holiday cheer to Beijing – with some brass. Longstanding big band ska rockabilly outfit Mr. Honey bring their lively sound to Temple alongside up and coming upbeat indie rockers Brickleberry and Puneet Vohra from India. FREE
Elenore, Gum Bleed, Hugh Reed & The Electric Shadow, Da Wei and Social Poetry at DDC
DDC celebrates Christmas in style with a rocking, socially conscious evening of rock and roll, punk, and hip-hop soul as Britpop favorites Elenore (who have a few Christmas singles of their own) join anti-establishment punk vets Gum Bleed, Hugh Reed, and Da Wei and friends for some mischievous Christmas Eve caroling of a different order. RMB 80
Drunkard, Hind Brain, The Jungle Fever, Need a Name, OWAT, The Pace of Time, Zi Huan at 80s Club
The Pinganli venue/studio throws open its doors this Christmas Eve for a down and out dirty roundup of punk and hard rock featuring veteran grunge outfit Drunkard, recent stage favorites Hind Brain and more. RMB 100
Lawrence Lau (HK), Fencha, Menghan, Pink Money at Fruitypsace
Media art team Pink Money, whose visual performances have been brought all around China and Hong Kong join Hong Kong electronic producer Lawerence Lau, as well as Beijing’s own Fencha and Menghan. RMB 40
Narakam, Ancestor, Evil Thorn, Nox Vorago, Tumour Boy, The Dark Prison Massacre, Zi Ming at Mao Livehouse
It’s about time Wukesong! Time to embrace to the dark lords of metal and sacrifice yourself to the holy spirit of these Satanic bands including death metal veterans Narakam, extreme hardcore lads Tumour Boy, thrash metal outfit Ancestor, and much more. RMB 160
Disorder, Karma, Imbalance, Jiazishu, The Knispels, Dr. Me, Renchuyou, Wujiu, and Tuzhenliun at School
Local promoters have put together quite the Christmas Eve extravaganza – a two-part rock 'n' roll series kicking off at 2pm with Disorder, Karma, Imbalance, Jiazishu, and The Knispels. Taking over in the evening at 8pm are All Unknown, Dr. Me, Renchuyou, Wujiu, and Tuzhenliu! RMB 60
SAW, OGMC, Necronoumena, Spinning Dog, Frost, XXX, Fomalhaut, Purgatory at 13 Club
13 Club turns thirteen years old which is beyond impressive. To celebrate the Wudaokou staple is doing what they do best, thinking a heavy rock and roll party with a variety of bands, old and new, paying tribute to the venue. RMB 50
Zhang Zhi at Yue Space
Folk heavyweight and Xinjiang musician Zhang Zi, whose world music with the Travellers has won much acclaim everywhere, joins Winbond, mandolin and accordion player Yalpoli for a special performance at Yue Space. RMB 150
Saber, TACE, DJ Rtsunami, Dungeon Beijing at Omni Space
Beijing underground rap favorite Saber, headlines this hip-hop showcase hosted the Dungeon Beijing crew. Hard hitting beats and rugged lyircs all at Omni Space. RMB 120
Jordan Darling, San Yuan Qiao at DDC
Indie songstress Jordan Darling, influenced by The Cardigans, Rilo Kiley, and Imogen Heap brings her catalog of heart-warming tunes to DDC for a special Christmas afternoon show alongside city pop outfit San Yuan Qiao. RMB 60
All Sixes, Soft Sound Bank, The Beijing Bandits at Blue Stream
Jazz punk fusionists All Sixes and Texas-flavored rockers THe Beijing Bandits celebrate the holiday with a showcase at Blue Stream Bar. RMB 70
Kooj, Fila Killa, Dioniz, L-Force, Rawhx van Marley at Soi Baochao
Celebrate Christmas Eve with a hip-hop reggae extravaganza at Soi Baochao as a slew of guests including Zambian dancehall hip-hop artists Rawhx van Marley and Kooj, Tanzanian rapper Dioniz and more. FREE
Mojo Hand at Jianghu Bar
Blues supergroup made up of some of the skilled rockers of the Beijing scene, including OOC frontman Cheng Chen, bassist Wang Zheng, and guitarist Wei Wei bring their richly flavored Chicago blues to Jianghu. RMB 100
Pu Han, SiSi, Dan Zeng Zhou Ga, Mao Zengli at Mogu Space
Playing a unique blend of Kazakh and Tuva folk, jazz, and folk, singer-songwriter Pu Han joins fellow Tibetan folk female singer-songwriter Dan Zeng Zhou Ga as well as SiSi and Mao Zengli. RMB 60
Still hungry for more? Check out all of our live music listings here. Alternatively, if it's nightlife that you're sprightly little legs are after, head over here.
Photos: Live Beijing Music, courtesy of the organizers
