Noise Pollution: Wild Nothing, Toe, BimBamBoom, Hotel Balkan, Uramones, Velvet Road

Will Griffith | Apr 12, 2019 10:39 am | Add a comment | 528 reads

Chillwave, darkwave, no wave, and then some. How about Balkan music to shake your butt to? Or Japanese funk that doesn't funk around? And of course, enough punk offerings to keep you satisfied till the next holiday. Yes, it’s another weekend of live music ready to throw you for a spin. Record Store Day makes this weekend is doubly busy – when you're not listening, there are plenty of opportunities to browse, buy, and hang out with like-minded music fans. So take a deep breath and pick your poison folks!

Friday, Apr 12

Wild Nothing (US) at Omni Space
Since the late 2000s, Jack Tatum has been garnering a diehard fanbase by making shimmery, '80s-influenced chillwave music. On the band’s latest album Indigo, Tatum uses mellow vocals and vintage synthesizers to make his most intimate record to date, finding the artist at his most efficient, calculated, and confident – resulting in an ‘artful blend of hi-fi humanity and technology that fires on all circuits and synapses.’ Read our recent interview with Tatum here. RMB 360

Octopoulpe, Cut Frenzy, End of the World at Temple
One man math rock/punk/hardcore/VJ act from South Korea Octopoulpe – whose live set and bewildering skill has made him one of Beijing’s most beloved road acts returns with another visitor from the north – Harbin’s Cut Frenzy who specialize in good ol’ fashion, pedal to the metal, abrasive punk rock performed through gritted teeth and dragged across the pavement – loud, anxious, robust, unruly and heaps of fun. If that wasn’t enough, veteran ska outfit End of The World will be on hand to keep the rambunctiousness at an all-time high. FREE

Macondo, INXU at DDC
DDC gets your weekend started with some heavy rock and earth-scattering rhythms that’ll have you banging your head in delight. Heavy as all hell and epic film rock outfit INXU joins staple powerhouse post-rockers (who describe their music as “volcano rock”) Macondø for an evening of instrumental rock that leaves nothing on the table. RMB 80

[POSTPONED] ~~Guiguisuisui x Shining Soundscape at~~ ~~~~Aotu~~ Studio~~
Shining Soundscape – the new multi-media series taking the scene by storm makes its way to Aotu. The duo behind the concept, the ambient spiritual punk doom duo Guiguisuisu, fresh off the release of their new EP – which ‘blends minimal wave synths, trip-hop beats, and shoegaze guitars with samples of traditional Chinese instruments and whispered poetry juxtaposed against Chinese opera vocalizations’ will be on hand alongside the Beijing Tagtool Collective. RMB 60

New School Waster Choir at School
Hailing from Liaoning Province to our northeast and made up of ex-members of the extremely popular band PB33, Xin Xuexiao Feiwu Hechangtuan (which roughly translates to New School Waster Choir ) are once again hitting the road and kick off their new tour at none other than School Bar. The foursome look to get you dancing and have you laughing with their brand of disco-punk! Afterward, a DJ after-party dedicated to all those born post-1990's and featuring Sistakilla.l, Demone, and more. RMB 100

Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio (Sweden), In Slaughter Natives (Sweden), Empusae (Belgium) at Mao Livehouse
Stella Promotion celebrates four years with an evening of dark wave, industrial, neofolk and solemn tunes that blacken your soul in no time – for the occasion they've invited three of darkwave’s most iconic projects – Swedish darkwave musician In Slaughter Natives, Swedish neofolk duo Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio, and Belgium outfit Empusae. RMB 320

Empty Eyes, Eternal Power, Anduril, Bastion, Titan at 13 Club
The metal scene welcomes new blood and new sacrifices to the genre that’s been creating moshpits for years, as melodic metal bands Bastion and Titan join more established players like Eternal Power and Empty Eyes. RMB 80

Hotel Balkan at Modernista
The lively southeastern European band brings their original Balkan beats full of energetic rhythms and a passion for dancing to Modernista. The group blends world cultures, endless musical possibility, and swing rock into an authentic, optimistic “Opa-Tzupa” sound that has delighted audiences around the world. RMB 80

Christian Kobi, Tomas Korber, Viola Yip, Zhu Wenbo, Yan Jun at Shilipu Studio
Subjam’s MIJI Concert Series returns bringing together Beijing artists and international performers for experimental jam sessions. Artists are welcome to engage in cold improvisation, radical performance, and absolute noise. Today’s edition features Christian Kobi, Tomas Korber, Viola Yip, Zhu Wenbo, and Yan Jun. 8pm start (email subjam@gmail.com for reservation and address)

Dangih, Saso Alan, Alan Tfp at Caravan
Three continents, three voices, three sounds – it’s another edition of Caravan’s ‘Music Without Borders’ as they host Xinjiang singer Dangih, Saso Alan from Uganda, and Alan Tfp from Chile for some hearty tunes. RMB 50

Russell Malone (US) at Blue Note
Russell Malone is one of the signature guitar players of his generation. The leader of ten albums since 1992, he’s master of all tempos, a relentless swinger, he spins his stories in idioms ranging from the urban and downhome blues, country, gospel, various corners of the American Songbook, and hardcore jazz – with a soulful, instantly recognizable instrumental voice, and seasons them with sophisticated harmonies that are never "too hip for the room." RMB 300-400

The Radiance at La Plantation
Formed in Beijing by singer/songwriter Miranda Vukasovic in 2015, The Radiance creates music through a kaleidoscope of fragile emotions, including art and visual projects into their performances, making for a unique experience each and every time out. Tonight the band will be presenting their new string quartet with a special performance at La Plantation. RMB 200

Forbidden City Horse at Jianghu Bar
Beijing blues-rock band formed by guitarist Han Yu keep their tunes firmly rooted in the sounds of Americana and the blues root that arose out of there, adding in some of their own homegrown flavors. Since last year, the band has added female singer YoYo to their roster. RMB 80

Fried Dinosaur, i-0 at Mogu Space
Kick off the weekend with some rock and roll at the tiny yet robust Mogu Space in Xizhimen as up and comers Fried Dinosaur and i-0 bring some scruff and charm to audiences. FREE

The Hunters at The Bricks
Beijing’s hottest crowd-pleasers and one of the capital’s best foreign cover bands, The Hunters combine old school funk, soul, and rock classics with intoxicating delivery. FREE

Three Mosquitos at Soi Baochao
Playing a set list filled with both covers and original songs, Three Mosquitoes are on a looping never-ending parallel universal cosmic tour on planet earth. Catch them over on Baochao. FREE

Saturday, Apr 13

Toe (JP) at Omni Space
After selling out both of their shows in China two years ago, toe returns to another (sorry) sold-out show in Beijing as the seminal instrumental rockers present their new critically acclaimed album “Our Latest Number”. Expect an overwhelming live experience of beautiful harmonies performed by world-class musicians. RMB 280

Hotel Balkan at DDC
The lively southeastern European band brings their original Balkan beats full of energetic rhythms and a passion for dancing to DDC. The group blends world cultures, endless musical possibility, and swing rock into an authentic, optimistic “Opa-Tzupa” sound that has delighted audiences around the world. FREE

Xia Zhiyu, Li Laoban at Yue Space
The ever-romantic vaporwave rapper Xia Zhiyu, out of Chengdu, and the Chinese music streaming producer juggernaut Li Laoban bring their collaborative masterpiece I Am Going to 2000 to Yue Space for an evening of old school, '80s-inflected Cantopop dipping hip-hop retro throwback. Good flow, good vibes, and good fun to be had. RMB 120

SHAO, Darcy, Wen Liang, DJ Watermelon, DJ 4tael, Xihai Emperor, DJ Design at VICE HQ
Gulou-based record store Floso teams up with Vice to host a blowout record fair in the latter's offices nearby Beer Mania in Sanlitun. They'll have over 3,000 records on sale as well as an array of musical acts, including minimal techno giant SHAO, ambient producer Wen Liang, rap duo Xihai Emperor, and many more on hand to keep our ears entertained (the Jing-A beer will certainly help too). More details on Record Store Day mayhem here. 2pm start. FREE

fRUITYGROUP, Beau, DJ Watermelon DJ Boss Cuts at Fruityshop
As part of this year's Record Store Day celebrations, Fruityshop, located off of Gaobeidian Beilu, throws an afternoon showcase featuring Beijing’s leading record collectors and promoters of vinyl culture including fRUITY GROUP, DJ Boss Cuts, Beau, and the ever-prolific DJ Watermelon. If that wasn’t enough, they’re asking fellow enthusiasts to bring their records over for a spin while Tiny Beer will provide the social lubricants needed to pop in a hip shake or two. More details on Record Store Day mayhem here. 3pm start. FREE

Peter Kirin (US), Dr. Motte (Germany), Philipp Grefer, Musixboy, Demone, Alan Ip, Shen, L+R, 777
On Record Shop Day, FLOSO and WISE host the latest Modular Commune, a meeting of electronic minds. Hear talks on the history of electronic music from Dr. Motte and Peter Kirn, plus a workshop on electronic creativity with Philipp Grefer, and lots and lots of artistic creativity from artists including Musixboy, Demone, Alan Ip, Shen, L+R & 777. More details on Record Store Day mayhem here as well as the WISE afterparty at Lantern here. 3pm start. FREE

Uramones (JP), Hangnail, Dick Face at School Bar
School Bar heads back to 53rd and 3rd in New York City with a CBGB tribute night! Headlining are Ramones tribute band from Fukui, Japan – the Uramones with special guests Navi and Ritz Ramone! These guys look, sound, and play just like the original Ramones. Opening the show are local Beijing punks Hangnail and Dick Face. RMB 80

Hugh Reed & The Electric Shadows, White Papers, Bang Bang Mary at Temple
The ever-mischievous and riotous Hugh Reed & The Electric Shadows, always-enjoyable post-punk band White Papers, and the rock-steady alt-rockers Bang Bang Mary join forces this Saturday evening for some scrappy delirious fun. FREE

Huntertones (US) at Blue Note
Huntertones brings people together around the globe with fun, imaginative and fearless music. Their high energy, horn-driven sound features genre-bending composition and unconventional covers. Every show is a social experience celebrating the joy of music. RMB 160-360

D.I.O, Nikita Heaven, Vhood, Dote, DJ Bullot at Caravan
Tanzanian hip-hop and singer-songwriter Dioniz AKA D.I.O joins Rwandan singer Nikita Heaven as well as young rappers Vhood and Dote, and DJ Bullot for an evening of lively cross-national tunes. RMB 50

Velvet Road at Mao Livehouse
Hard rocking '80s-evoking Velvet Road, who’ve been working the circuit for over ten years bring their old school charm and falsetto singing to Mao Livehouse as they continue their nationwide tour. Cue the cowbell! RMB 150

Mojo Hand at Soi Baochao
Blues supergroup Mojo Hand, 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 Baochao Hutong. FREE

David Soo (AUS) at La Plantation
Praised for his ‘musical depth and intelligence,’ consummate authority and passion’ and ‘virtuoso of the first rank,’ Australian pianist David Soo has performed all around the world to critical acclaim, even performing for Queen Elizabeth II. The award-winning musician will be strutting his stuff tonight at La Plantation. RMB 200

Mademoiselle et son Orchestre at Jianghu Bar
Mademoiselle et son Orchestre return to the cozy Jianghu Bar for some foot-tapping gun. The premier gypsy jazz outfit has been igniting crowds left and right for endless years – a true joy to behold. RMB 60

The Hunters at Modernista
Beijing’s hottest crowd-pleasers and one of the capital’s best foreign cover bands, The Hunters combine old school funk, soul, and rock classics with intoxicating delivery. They say farewell to their keyboardist tonight they only way they know how – will a bang. FREE

Shidu Yanjing, Manman, Li Minghao at Pink Moon
Folk tellings and acoustic wonders over at Pink Moon as three singer-songwriters take the stage at the cozy Nanluogu Xiang joint. FREE

More Feel, Tangshunyi at Mogu Space
Indie synth-pop duo More Feel share, as you can imagine, their feelings over in Xizhimen alongside singer-songwriter Tangshunyi. FREE

CUNY Alumni Quartet at The Bricks
Satoshi Kataoka is a guitarist, composer, and arranger living in New York City. He attended the Jazz Performance program at The City College of New York where he studied with world acknowledged musicians like John Patittuci, Mike Holober, and many others. FREE

Sunday, Apr 14

BimBamBoom (JP) at Omni Space
All-female Japanese funk rock 'n' roll band BimBamBoom look to keep the weekend vibes going strong as they bring their explosive and wildly fun live performance to Omni Space. Led by arguably Japan’s best-known drummer extraordinaire Miyoko Yamaguchi, BimBamBoom is a largely instrumental band, punctuated with harmonious shouts and cheers. Drawing inspiration from the R&B and Funk scenes of New Orleans, Philadelphia and Memphis they have delicately molded their own brand of party music. RMB 120

Viola Yip (HK), Emily Wong, Li Jianhong at Aotu Studio
Subtropical China hosts the world premiere of 'Journey: Improvised – Damo Suzuki's China Tour And Beyond', a short documentary that follows the legendary former singer of krautrock band Can on his first ever China tour. Following the screening and a Q&A, they will be performances from an eclectic group of musicians and artists including Viola Yip, a New York-based experimental composer, performer, sound artist, and instrument builder; Emily Wong, a choreographer, and contemporary dance improviser; and guitar demi-god Li Jianhong, whose drone-heavy, shredful, gutwailing brand of guitar improv is always a wonder to behold. RMB 40

Left Behind Children, Black Bone, Polarize, Dr. V’agent at Temple
Things get heavy over in Temple as these hard-edged metal-inflicted rockers look to start a mosh into next week including Left Behind Children, Black Bone and more. FREE

Mercader at Yue Space
Guangzhou post-punk Mercader, named after the infamous Spanish assassin Ramón Mercade and winner of Best New Band at the Chinese Music Awards a few years back return to Beijing with their latest release Self Technology. A sometimes bewildering mix post-punk, no wave, and indie rock, the band sometimes resembles a more animated, angsty, and streamlined P.K.14 or better yet, a dirtier, moodier New Pants – with a sneaking, gritty Canto-pop vibe lurking underneath that can turn on a dime. And trust me when I saw, they put on a hell of a live show. RMB 120

Weirdo Room at DDC
Xi'an rockers Weirdo Room head to DDC as part of their nationwide tour in support of their newest album, Twigs. Boosting a cathartic, emotional resonance sound that pulls at the heartstrings while enticing the ears, the post-rock band has been a staple of the scene for over five years – an underrated gem in the sea of post-rock bands across China.

Pure, Hind Brain, Bang Bang Mary, Get Better at School
‘Self-study’ this evening with some of Beijing’s most volatile bands out there. Set to play are out of control grunge act with a new female signer, Pure. Also along for the ride is fellow grunge act Hind Brain, alternative rockers (in the vein of Arctic Monkeys) Bang Bang Mary, and rocking emo foursome Get Better. RMB 60