Spring yet people? Getting fed up with this nonsense. My toes are icicles here. Might have to get in some of that warm weather down in Shanghai if this keeps up. Till then though, I’ll just dance the night away – and with this crop of shows this weekend – you should have no problem fending off the cold.

FRIDAY

New wave rockers Perpetual Motion Machine get into the spring fever and celebrate being on the scene two years with a hoedown at the Old What? Bar – they will rock the joint out believe me. For something on a bit more of an epic scale, head over to Tango where Splitworks continues to throw down with post-rock gods Godspeed You! Black Emperor – I’ve only heard marvelous things about the long-standing Canadian rockers – get it while you can. Over at Dos Kolegas, they host their usual array of fun, feet stomping bands including Rolling Bowling, Steely Heart, and Christmas. Or if you’re too lazy to head out in that direction swing by Temple for some high kicks courtesy of Jacky Danny and The Beijing Dead. Over in Shunagjing Song Yuzhe and company embark on a nationwide tour kicking off at Mako Livehouse as they celebrate the release of their latest in Europe – Dawanggang is always a treat for the ears, so expect this one to be packed with guests of the sort. Over at School, a slew of indie bands perform including psychedelic noise makers Chui Wan and DICE, post rock inclined The Dyne (with a release ready to hit the shelves), and FU, a Japanese pop rock band in town for the week. For indie with a bit more heart I’d head close by to VA Bar for Arrows Made of Desire along with fresh on the scene funk rocker animals Monster 11. Celebrate the life and music of Kurt Cobain at Yugong Yishan as three grunge-infused bands The Gray, Fuzzy Mood, and The Hit outta Chengdu, play through the man’s catalogue. Grunge too old school for ya – well get into the core all the kids are raging about nowdays at Mao Livehouse with Return the Truth, Multi-Ego, Saving Molly, Tookoo, and xitneverhappenedx. There’s always The Intrepid Adventurers alongside Dogteeth at XP, or Xinjiang singer Jurat.T.T at the Hot Cat Club. Finally catch Ben Ben (without the Skip Skip) at the cozy 69 Café and Ember Swift at Jianghu Bar.

SATURDAY

The Wild OS Metal & Hard Rock Festival kicks off today at Mako Livehouse this afternoon and into the evening with a whole slew of hard hitting, head banging, fist pumping bands looking to make a dent in your eardrums. At the same time 13 Club and the final round of the WOA Metal Battle commences with the final bands – Nine Treasures, Silent Resentment, Multi-Ego, Jacky Danny, Fearless – see who will get the chance to head to Germany – my money is on Nine Treasures. One that flew under my radar, was Southern China folk trope Shanren (but really they are oh so much more than that) giving an intimate performance at Zajia Lab along with a film screening – catch them before they pop out Beijing for a while. XP is hosting a twofer, with a late afternoon of indie rock (with a bit of post rock mojo) with visiting ‘on the radar’ Chinese Football out of Wuhan along with Sparrow, Aberration, and Mini Train Heart. Later that evening catch 8 Eye Spy (from Nanjing) make their Beijing debut alongside Streets Kill Strange Animals and Snapline. If you’re looking to be a part of history, or better yet, get yourself on film then head over to Mao Livehouse where local heroes Brain Failure perform whilst the recording of a live film – alotta of pressure there boys. For punk with a little more teeth head to School where Demerit, Gum Bleed, and Discord unleash all anti-establishment hell. Post rock ain’t quite though yet, as Belgium post-rockers Toman are joined by our own Glow Curve at Yugong Yishan. The mad hatter himself Djang San conjures up some lovely folktronica for folks at Jianghu Bar, while over at Temple bluegrass boys The Randy Abel Stable kick back in the hay alongside guest Kirk Kennedy. Lastly, head over to Dos Kolgeas as Candy Monster, 72 Band, Chaliangfen, and FU kick back with some upbeat tunes. 

SUNDAY

The Wild OS Hard Rock & Metal Festival continues at Mako Livehouse – I salute all of you who make it those two days – true warriors you are. Chiren stops by the Hot Cat Club for some good natured tunes, while over Jianghu Bar Western Mongolian group Taan Touch give audiences a taste of their Oirat Folk music stylings. Bring a date over to Yugong Yishan as Xiao N release her latest of folk pop bliss alongside Song Laoxie. FU seriously are hitting up every spot in town – tonight catch them for free at Temple and relish what Japanese pop rock has to offer. Or head to School and take an intro class in punk as Black Mint is joined by Summer Sunshine for some mischief.  Mao Livehouse goes goth for the night with Requiem, Savior, and Viva La Vanci while XP gets into the hip hop business as they host a Hip Hop Battle. Lastly, swing by outside of Zajia Lab in the afternoon where experimental pioneer Yan Jun gives the hutongs a taste of experimental rambunctiousness.