On The Scene: Yugong Yishan 07-12-2012

Post-rock is sexy…laced up, incense smelling, ice cube melting sexy. It really can manage to be one of the most romantic genres when it wants to be. Unfortunately, I had no lady by my side, but instead my hairy companion (and original co founder) who had just returned from a three-month spell in Bali. Let’s just say wrapping my arms around him wasn’t an option. That didn’t stop me from being mighty impressed by The Grinding Ear, Hua Lun, and Sparrow at Yugong Yishan, a night of post rock heroics.

Supposedly The Grinding Ear has been in hiding for some time, prepping for an album that’s due sometime early next year. Well it looks like time behind the curtain has done them well, as they came out guns a blazing.

While the band doesn’t offer much up front new to the genre, there’s some indisputable commitment to the way they perform, giving their songs room to breathe, allowing the melodies to sink in. They’re graceful and rich, with buildups that take their time, before coming down hard.

Did I mention post-rock can be downright sexy at times? This was one of those times.

Speaking of bands that have been in the dark working on their new material, as well as a new lineup, the four-piece Wuhanese Hua Lun were on hand tonight to provide us with their new direction.

Looks like the group ain’t ready yet to part with their rock n’ roll roots as their set was full of post rock pieces full of hard rocking riffs and explosive energy. While the quieter parts had moments of tranquility, you could tell these guys were itching to get to the climax, to where all the layers added up, to where they could turn it up to 11. All the instruments seemed to be making a bigger impact, from the drums to the guitar; even the feedback was fighting through to make a statement.

So while Hua Lun were lacking in grace, they certainly made it up with noise and tension. Count me intrigued.

However, it was Sparrow, fresh off a nation wide tour and an album release who made the biggest splash tonight. Post-rock is all about the buildup, the foreplay if you will, and these kids know how to get the most out of a chord, out of a melody, giving each of their songs a distinct personality and progression.

There’s patience to their music that’s invigorating, titillating even. What it comes down to though is how optimistic it all sounds. Doesn’t sound like their’s not one harsh bone in their body of work, and I’ll be damned, the optimist in me completely fell for it. It’s almost feels retro and old school by approach, and that peeps, I can get onboard with.

I almost did bear hug my body during their set. Almost. Be sure to grab a copy of Rainbow Mountain, it’s a great listen. And be sure to check below for another video from Sparrow.