New Releases: Sucker, The Machinery of Other Skeletons, Daydreamer, TOKILL & Jfever

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Time to jump around a bit for this week’s newest releases – punk from Xian, death metal and melodic indie pop outta Shanghai and experimental hip hop from all the way down in Kunming (via Beijing and Taiwan). Yup, an eclectic offering this week so let’s get right into it – here’s the latest from Sucker, The Machinery of Other Skeletons, Daydreamer, and a collaboration between TOKILL and Jfever. Get at it.

Part of a new wave of hip hop deconstructionists, Kunming rap collective TOKILL, has teamed up and coming rapper Little Tiger (Jfever) and Taiwanese rapper Leopard to release the concept album In The Shui-Lian Cave, a six track descent into a back and forth between the Monkey King and the Skeleton Demon. Getting into serious abstract jazz rap territory as the two ringmasters shoot off about political unconsciousness, Asimov’s Three Principles of Robot, The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, and just about everything under the tree – wordy it is. Love the interplay between science and myth, spiritual and factual – even better – the production on this baby – which cleverly mixes Chinese instruments and more traditional hip hop beats, as well as a host of sound bites, is gorgeous, creating a fever dream of sorts that’s hard to shake off. I’ll say it again, I think this is the year hip hop breaks out on its own here in China. Give it a listen over here.

Punk heads to China’s Western capital Xi’an – four-piece Rancid-esque punk rockers Sucker, have been kicking for some time, becoming one of the second-tier city’s most beloved acts. Well, looks like the slam bam fist pumping suckas are back with another full-length album, entitled Impatient Soul (躁魂), and its chock full ska-tainted knee slappers that liven up your day. Really, this thing is packed, a rarity in albums today. And while that’s means a lot of filler, there’s more than enough goodness on hand here, including the infectious ‘Fun Fart’, the chant-worthy ‘Motherland’, and the ridiculously catchy ‘Go Bad’. Please please Sucker never move to Beijing, Xi’an needs you more than ever. Give it a listen here.

Touted as one of Shanghai’s hardest working bands, indie rock outfit Daydreamer, has been slowly earning accolades from local fans since their formation in 2011. I shared a tour promo a whiles back, and now I’ve snagged their debut EP enititled 万象 , and it’s a strong piece of work, one that definitely pronounces Daydreamer as a band with conviction. First off, shoutout to Chen Li whose voice gives stern gravitas to the six tracks – that’s prowess folks. With a sound that’s veers from Cranberries-esque alt rock to melodic arena indie rock, with a bit of post rock playfulness, the album never veers off course – it’s a crowd pleaser. Even caught myself humming along after a few listens. Definitely one of the surprises of the year thus far – grab the album over here and give it a spin here.

Another new release out of Beijing’s brother from another mother – ‘unfiltered metal straight from the bowels of Shanghai’ – it’s The Machinery of Other Skeletons and their debut EP entitled Beyond the Circular . The death metal outfit consisting of Shanghai’s hardcore and metal regulars, including Death to Giant’s drummer Ivan Belcic and Inferno owner Martin Aamodt, is a straight shot of unhinged metal, that’s refuses to give to go soft on ya. It’s fast and furious, vicious, and smartly shows off some epic instrumental skills. A hearty meal of metal – no fat on this baby. Grab it over at their bandcamp and keep your ears peeled for a visit from the metallers.