Weekend Update (19/09-21/09)

Geez, this Friday is gonna go down in history with the sheer amount of top rate shows taking place at the same time. It\’s bonkers – Sophie\’s Choice all over again. Wherever you end up, it\’s gonna be a good one. Don’t believe me – have a look below. And not that it matters, but hit up the calendar if you need more options to wrap your membrane around.

Friday September 19th

Maybe Mars celebrates seven years of kicking ass at XP with this all-star far-reaching showcase of some of the labels\’ top tier talent, including new signees, HK noise rockers The Yours, who are releasing their debut with the label as well tonight – my kind of jam. Also joining them are fellow Hong Kongers murmur as well as two of the labels\’ most invigorating bands, white + and Birdstriking. Baller status. The myth behind one of Chinas first indie rock bands Joyside is ridiculous  – go to School any night of the week and you can feel the impact the band fronted by Bian Yuan had on the joint. And like many bands of yesteryears it\’s time for a one off reunion as the band comes together ten years after their debut, Drunk is Beautiful – and my guess it\’s gonna get wild. Supporting them are affiliates and off-shoot projects from its members – Lone, Dr. Liu & The Human Centipede, and Ouch. Yup, a family affair – bask in the nostalgia. One of the scenes most respected punk get-ups, Gum Bleed, bring their latest release City of Heroes to the masses this evening at Mao Livehouse and it is indeed something to get excited about. There\’s a professional credence to the band that\’s always pleased my ears and evidently legions of fans here and aboard (the band has just returned from Europe for the utmost time) – they\’re supported by two punks of a different ilk – straight edge kids xitneverhappenedx and blues exploiter Guiguisuisui – bring on the class warfare! Veterans of Beijing\’s massive metals scene, Ordnance have been kicking around for more than a decade now with their homegrown brand of heavy metal that slays. And, much to the delight of my metal heads buds, they haven\’t lost an iota of their oomph. Catch them perform at Wudaoku\’s only remaining stronghold, 13 Club, as they celebrate the release of their latest album Tear Down This Wall. All hail metal!! The swanky newly minted DDC takes a dip into some of the scenes more esoteric sounds as they host the split cassette release from local electronic pusher Noise Arcade and Malaysia noise artist Jerk Kerouac – and though the Jerk himself won\’t be present, the evening is packed with some of the city\’s more intriguing \’off the beaten path\’ electronic noise makers including thruoutin and Charm.Chengdu promoters New Noise bring over one of Europe\’s biggest post rocks groups, Mayshewill, to Yugong Yishan – local post rockers Sparrow support. Finally, catch the ska outfit End of the World at Temple.

September 20th

Happy birthday Yugong Yishan – the classy joint turns ten this year which pretty much makes them the long standing venue in the city. And in typical Yugong fashion they\’re throwing a bonafide bash featuring some of the city\’s top brass – just the combo of post punk electrifiers Re-TROS and tough as nails rockers WHAI makes the event worthwhile – add in Maybe Mars old guard Carsick Cars, Mr. Graceless, and Rustic and you have a sure thing. Now that\’s what I call a birthday party. Looking down this lineup, one thing is clear – these four band is all about attitude. In your face, abrasive, snarling, shit stirrers – a nice change of pace for the often comatose audiences of XP – on top of the über sweet vinyl release from man about town by day, hooded lord of the underworld by night Guiguisuisui, there\’s punk upstarts Bastards of Imperialism looking to give audiences a piece of their mind, the beautifully reckless Bedstars, and rap mastermind Chronmaster. Indie blues, metal, funky soul, and sludge rock – it\’s a strange brew tonight as 16 mins, Bad Mamasan, The Groove Collective, and Never Before take to Mao Livehouse. Tuvan throat-singing horde Huun Huur Tu,  returns to Mako Livehouse while over at School, three well-known folk artists take center stage including Zhong Qianqian, Suzi Xu, and Liu Donghong. Hong Kong label Artefracture is bringing their crop of talent, including The David Bowie Knives, Good Fellas, and Shatalene as well as UK indie pop outfit Scandinavia for a blast at fun at the always reliable Temple. Finally, catch soul-infused jazz outfit Violette & The Hunters at Jianghu Bar.

Sunday September 21st

Marco Capelli and the Italian Surf Academy avant grade trope visits XP from NYC and joins some of Beijing\’s most radical artists including Zhang Shouwang, Yan Yulong and more. Taiwanese pop rockers 929 swing through Yugong Yishan on their mainland tour while extreme metal outfit from Guangzhou, Dark Ring, gets heavy at Mao Livehouse. Last catch blues rocker Dafay at DDC.