Gig Recap: lost memory machine, thruoutin, Uncle Hu (2019.09.21)

There’s a new cassette label in town and they’re not messing around. Nugget Records, started by Dave Carey, known for his role in indietronica duo Nocturnes, and Jen Rao, whose artwork has graced fairs and cafés across Beijing, launched their new label last week with a hip little gig at DDC – one full of friendly faces, DIY ethos, treats of all ilk (tape players, stickers, and zines) and a trio of diverse acts. The label had two of their first release on hand – the first from lo-fi pop duo lost memory machine (consisting of Carey and Wuhan singer Shii) whose rain-soaked sound is full of low-key yet rich electronic pleasures and direct, sincere lyrical melodies that sneak up on you. The other release was from Beijing’s own electronic genre-melding maverick thruoutin, who gave a set that touched upon his full catalogue – from Pipe-Led, ambient recordings, to harder-hitting beats that let the artist cut loose. The evening closed out with a set from lo-fi folk pop artist Uncle Hu, who constantly reminds me of Elliot Smith, for better or worse. There’s no denying their chops and penchant for some really ear-catching melodies. Congrats Nugget Records! Looking forward to what you cook up in the next year.