New Music: Merrie Records, Genome 6.66Mbp, Babel Records

Various Artists – Aquanaut in Room 房间里的潜水员

The second part in a series of compilations from newly formed Merrie Records – Aquanaut in Room is a sonically pleasing slice of indie pop, lo-fi hip-hop, and indietronica – and the perfect medium to get familiar with the output (and daft artist wrangling) of the label. And what a collection – from the haunting hushed opener ‘Eyes’ from singer-songwriter P. Murk (with additional vocals courtesy of Hiperson’s Chen Sijiang) to the sublime instrumental groove and build-up of Fayzz’s track; from the crystalized hypnotic pull of Mimik Banka’s ‘荨麻’ to the evocative and heightened pop of Guangzhou’s one-man-band smellyhover – there are some true gems here. Let’s hope Merrie Records can continue their streak of stellar compilations.

Various Artists – Urban Diving 

Shanghai electronic label Genome 6.66Mbp comes out swinging on the dense and sonically luscious The Shanzai Bootleg Compilation – a collection of remixes, edits, and blends by artists from across China. ‘Featuring internationally recognised producers, local mainstays, as well as -and-coming artists, it offers a rare glimpse into the region’s dynamic and diverse underground club scene’ whose highlights include Swimful, Charity Ssb, Khemist, Puzzy Stack, SilkBoi, Dirty K, and so much more. It’s beautifully all over the place in terms of style – with just about every label and club scene getting a chance to throw their two cents in – with the added incentive that all proceeds go towards  Impact Lebanon or the National Bail Fund Network (USA).

Various Artists – The Shanzai Bootleg Compilation

Shanghai electronic label Genome 6.66Mbp comes out swinging on the dense and sonically luscious The Shanzai Bootleg Compilation – a collection of remixes, edits, and blends by artists from across China. ‘Featuring internationally recognised producers, local mainstays, as well as -and-coming artists, it offers a rare glimpse into the region’s dynamic and diverse underground club scene’ whose highlights include Swimful, Charity Ssb, Khemist, Puzzy Stack, SilkBoi, Dirty K, and so much more. It’s beautifully all over the place in terms of style – with just about every label and club scene getting a chance to throw their two cents in – with the added incentive that all proceeds go towards  Impact Lebanon or the National Bail Fund Network (USA).

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