Noise Pollution: Mono, Guiguisuisui, Deadly Cradle Death, Video Game Orchestra, Freddy Cole

Spring is creeping up on us! The musical thaw is officially over! It’s time for bands and artists to emerge from their hibernation and get those creative juices flowing again. Meaning more and more gigs for audiences like us to indulge in – from witch house anti-club jams to ethereal indietronic tunes – everyone’s getting in their say this weekend.
 

Friday, Mar 1

Guiguisuisui, SNSOS, thruoutin at DDC 
Returning from their latest tour across China, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, Beijing art-rock duo Guiguisuisui take take the stage with their new EP Charon in tow – an electronically lush art-rock opus that takes the duo’s occult new age mythology and twists it in on itself – deliciously stringing together ‘minimal wave synths, trip-hop beats, and shoegaze guitars with samples of traditional Chinese instruments and operatic singing’ into a Pandora box of sound and texture. To mark the occasion they’ve invited post-rock masterminds She Never Sings Our Songs and producer extraordinaire thruoutin for an evening of tripped-out sounds and morphing visuals. RMB 80

Deadly Cradle Death, Golden Shower, Future Orients at Yue Space
Maybe Mars presents an eclectic evening of menacing and alluring sounds from some of the flagship’s label deep trove of talent. Coming down from Shanghai, Golden Shower is the highest project from industrial post-punk artist Hei Mu (Nonplus of Color) and Nick (formerly of Hong Kong trailblazers The Yours/Ex-Punishment). They join cult favorite Deadly Cradle Death, whose toxic, anti-club music; a bombastic assault on the senses that gloriously veers off into the deep end and revels in undertones of hip-hop, drum 'n' bass, and experimental music. Rounding out the lineup are indie rockers Future Orients, whose melodic and foot tapping sounds has made them a hit with the youngins. RMB 100

MONO (JP) at Tango 
Post-rock juggernauts Mono are back and you better believe this show is sold out already. The Japanese legends, fresh off the release of their new LP (produced by their longtime friend Steve Albini), which continues to explore the epic ‘conflict and correlation between dark and light through echoes of beautiful, gentle soft strings and the sudden surge or sound explosions.’ If you must – sneak in. Just to tease you, here's our recent interview with frontman Takaakira Goto.

Candy Monster, Sardine Is Back, Show Hand, Jeaqi at School
School Bar’s ‘Bad Education’ series returns for some riotous fun with an ever diverse set of artists and bands leading the class – set to provide your evening lesson in rock 'n' roll and drinking are School Bar house band indie pop rockers Candy Monster, improvised psycho-punk trio Sardine is Back, in your face punk dudes Show Hand, and ambient pop-rock artist Jeaqi. RMB 60, free (ladies)

Jungle Mico Project at Temple
The live drum 'n’ bass band – and one of Temple’s biggest hitters – return this Friday – led by the well known electronic drummer Mico, the ensemble mix elements of ‘live drum 'n' bass, dubstep, dub, breakbeats, deep techno and more – all performed live on real instruments in real time.’ Expect a wild 'n’ out crowd. FREE 

The Yellowjackets (US) at Blue Note
The Yellowjackets have consistently forged ahead in their evolving artistic statements. The band has recorded close to 30 albums, been nominated for 17 Grammys and has adventurously amplified the eclectic, electro-acoustic soundscape, creating a unique jazz sound since its fusion beginnings. RMB 180-380

Wang Yawei, Lang Zhiyong at Jianghu Bar 
Longstanding indie folk artist Wang Yawei, who has performed everywhere – from television contests to festivals – gives a special performance at the cozy hutong spot this evening alongside fellow singer-songwriter Lang Zhiyong. RMB 80

The Flip Side at Modernista 
The Flip Side is Beijing’s only live disco band. Bring your boogie shoes and come prepared to freak out, shake your booty, get jiggy with it and celebrate good times and a weekend kick off! FREE

Wang Wu, Wang Qi at Mogu Space
Northeastern Chinese singer-songwriter, Wang Wu, whose loose hair and vibrant voice made him one of the finalists on one of the country’s top-rated American Idol clones, performs alongside happy-go-lucky singer Wang Qi. RMB 80

The Balcony, Bill Pope at Caravan 
Hailing from Derbyshire and London in the UK, The Balcony brings a mix of acoustic covers and originals to Caravan alongside singer-songwriter Bill Pope. RMB 80

Prototype Jazz Quartet at The Bricks
Prototype, the new jazz supergroup with some of Beijing's most talented jazz musicians including Edward Barroetabena on drums, Pierre Pradat on keys, Daren Burns on bass and Michael Ciesielski on guitar explore new sonic boundaries tonight. FREE

Yu Zijun, Zhang Ziwei, Xue Yuzhou at Pink Moon 
Acoustic wonders with three aspiring singer-songwriters paying tribute to the urban folk of Beijing the best way they know how – tender jams in the dim light. RMB 60
 

Saturday, Mar 2 

Nocturnes, Future Orients at School 
The atmospheric, sultry, and immersive indietronica duo Nocturnes return to the stage with their first show of 2019. The band, whose melodic and ethereal sound has built their a loyal fanbase will be premiering some new songs from their forthcoming EP to be released later this year, which showcases a new direction to their sound. They’ll be joined by Beijing indie rock darlings Future Orients, who have quite the fanbase as well, and who recently added a fifth member to the team. RMB 80

Zi Yue at Tango 
Zi Yue may have only released two studio albums in his prime, but they’re considered classics in the China rock scene. This evening, the reclusive singer (who's been keeping busy making music for acclaimed directors and starring in Cui Jian’s directorial debut) is returning to the stage with a younger, rejuvenated band Ziqiu Qiuye with their brand of homegrown, tender, lyrically-rich rock and roll that seamlessly blends traditional Chinese folk elements with Western rock signatures. RMB 220 

Plini Sunhead (AUS) at Mao Livehouse 
Plini is an independent solo artist from Sydney, Australia. He composes, plays guitar, records, produces and manages his unique brand of instrumental progressive rock all from a bedroom studio. Over the past two years, he has managed to share the stage with some true legends like Cynic, Tesseract, and Between the Buried and Me. RMB 180 

Diving Elephant, Self-Portrait, All Unknown, Radical Spinz, Flower Wall, Da Wu Tong at Yue Space 
Yue Space keeps it young and vibrant with an assortment of the rock scene’s hottest indie pop and pop-rock acts – from veterans Diving Elephant (formerly Locomotive Gentlemen), to hard-working pop-rockers All Unknown, to hip-hop spinner Da Wu Tong and even indie pop swooners Self Portrait – this is the kind of lineup that’ll have the joint swimming with hormones. RMB 100

Stevie Mac and The Mac Daddies at Caravan 
The ever-expanding (10 members deep currently) jazz-pop troupe Stevie Mac and the Mac Daddies whose vintage approach to contemporary music has wowed crowds for year head to Caravan as Stevie Mac brings his Louisiana heritage (and authentic Mardi Gras beads) to his annual Mardi Gras party. Expect Po Boys, Jambalaya, Hurricanes, and more. RMB 80

Bang Bang Mary, Cherry Mor, Show Hand at Temple
Alternative rockers Bang Bang Mary, who draw their influences from artists such as Arctic Monkeys, Fokofpolisiekar, and Pretty Viscous joins pop-rock trio Cherry Mor and tender-hearted punks Show Hand, both who are primed to hit it big this year with already some good word of mouth surrounding them. Color me intrigued. FREE  

The Hot Club of Beijing at DDC
Multi-national gypsy jazz ensemble brings their 1930s swinging jazz, hot Latin rhythms, and gypsy waltzes to DDC so best bring your dancing shoes. RMB 60

Tavey Lean and The Solid Gold Dream Machine at Modernista
Audience favorites Tavey Lean and The Solid Gold Dream Machine bring their impressive repertoire of classic soul, RnB, three-piece horn section, rock and roll to Modernista for an evening of knee-slapping good tunes. FREE

Freddy Cole Quartet (US) at Blue Note 
Cole doesn't apologize for sounding like his brother, Nat "King" Cole. There are certain unmistakable similarities in the vocal timbres of all four Cole brothers. He plays piano, sings and performs live with guitar and upright bass, just like Nat. Yet his voice is raspier, smokier, jazzier even. Catch the true blue performer this weekend at Blue Note. RMB 360-460

Licy Jones, Zhang Yi Fan at Mogu Space
Licy Jones, the up and coming indie-pop outfit with a knack for darker tones and more noisy sensibilities, joins singer-songwriter Zhang Yifan to pay tribute to Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground. RMB 60

Diva Simona Quartet at The Bricks 
Italian award-winning singer, composer, educator Simona De Rosa has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the NY jazz scene and continues touring internationally.

Ivan Dorzhlev at The Bookworm
Esteemed flamenco guitarist and exceptional musician, Ivan Dorzhlev, who is redefining what is possible on and for his instrument, heads to The Bookworm for a special performance. RMB 100

FreeWhen, Steve Blaque at Pink Moon 
American artist and producer Steve Blaque, who played formerly in genre-bending rock band The Radiance, joins singer-songwriter duo FreeWhen for some acoustic loving this evening. RMB 66
 

Sunday, Mar 3 

Video Game Orchestra at Mao Livehouse
This one's for the gamers. Video Game Orchestra brings a rock sensibility to the epic soundtracks of video games. Relive the fun and excitement of your favourite games live - ‘not just showcasing and convincing people that video game music is its own unique musical genre, but also creating a one and only “rockestral” video game music concert project that truly integrates the live, raw energy of rock music and the epic-ness and elegance of orchestral music.” You’re in or you’re out people. RMB 280

Hind Brain, Hair of the Dog, Jungle Fever at School
Break out the flannel and get ready for another installment of School Bar's "Back to Seattle" series – where bands pay tribute to the alternative and grunge scene that defined the city in the early 90s. Set to play this evening are alternative punk outfit Jungle Fever, the grunge trio Hind Brain, one of last year’s hardest working bands, and newly formed grunge outfit Hair of the Dog, which sounds just about right for those looking to go the extra mile this Sunday. RMB 50

Later Islands, The Lightning Club at DDC 
DDC hosts Later Islands and The Lightning Club for an evening of atmospheric instrumental sounds that hit hard and don’t let up. The former is known for their blend of post-rock, math rock, and ambient sounds while the later is all about the crunch and burn of hard rock. RMB 60

Freddy Cole Quartet (US) at Blue Note 
Cole doesn't apologize for sounding like his brother, Nat "King" Cole. There are certain unmistakable similarities in the vocal timbres of all four Cole brothers. He plays piano, sings and performs live with guitar and upright bass, just like Nat. Yet his voice is raspier, smokier, jazzier even. Catch the true blue performer this weekend at Blue Note. RMB 360-460

Liu Ao Trio at Modernista 
Take it down to jazz this Sunday as Liu Ao and his jazz trio, featuring Izumi Koga on drums and Hu Hao on double bass, travels through the rooms of Modernista. FREE

Want to cut a rug instead? Check out this weekend's nightlife offerings here.

Images: Will Griffith, courtesy of the promoters