On the high speed train to Hong Kong writing this, so don’t expect too much out of me. Nevertheless, it’s a killer weekend, one that I’m sad to miss – so do me a favor and get out there and see some music. Here’s what’s ahead.

FRIDAY

Get your drone on this evening at XP with this electric mad hatter group of bands including the new guitar/vocal duo RST + Lenz, who describe their music as ‘dark space blues’. Sexy. Joining them are drone renegades Cloud Choir, who have a whole catalogue of material at this point that you can feast your ears on, and Sick Car Sick, Carsick Car’s unhinged evil twin – I heard their wiped out a horn last time on stage. For those looking to take their ears off the beaten path World music is making a comeback folks – catch multinational outfit . Xiban down at Mako Livehouse – they combine a wide variety of musical techniques and traditions – everything from Tibetan folk, Shannxi opera, Australian Aboriginal, even a bit of dub – prepared to be wowed. Another artist that’s been making headway is MC j-Fever (also known as MC David), the Beijing rapper who’s been the talk of the town – see if the hype is true at Mao Livehouse. For those looking with a little more sludge with their metal, get over to School where stoner metal group Never Before are joined by hard rock punksters Tractor and Electric Lady for some head banging goodness. For those good vibrations though, you can’t go wrong at the Old What? Bar where the skafftic Skaving throw a freebie. And for you post rock junkies, Mao Livehouse is your haven tonight, where Swedish post rock group EF celebrate the releases of their latest album with a little help from fellow Swedes Halo of Pendor. Finally, Hot Cat Club will host Li Yan, Meat Tree, and White Noise, while Liu Dongming’s The Sand performs at Blue Stream Bar and The Beijing Beatles climb through your bathroom window at Temple.

SATURDAY

When anyone back home asks me what band I favor the most – I usually go with Hedgehog. They were one of my first finds in Beijing, and for good reason – they’re a powerhouse of an indie band – epic in scope, personal in execution, and they throw a wrecking ball of a show each and every time. Hyperbole – perhaps – but that’s exactly what this city needs some time – so get down to School and rock like there’s no tomorrow. Speaking of bands that throw down the good times at every outing, Shanren, the Yunnanesse contemporary folk rockers, who use every genre as their playground, are taking it down a notch for this evening – taking over the cozy Jianghu Bar. Small stage, but that’s not gonna stop the foursome, who are riding high after the release of their acclaimed album, ‘Listen To The Mountain’. If you’re craving punk, then get to the Old What? Bar, where Joking Tasty and Soju Legion bring the rage. Berlin based progressive metal group The Ocean are in town and ready to tear it up at Mao Livehouse along with the help of our own Saving Molly. Post punk group Me Too look to be getting back in the mix of things – catch them tonight at 69 Café to see if they still got it. Three musicians from around the world join forces as 2° [Eins Zwei Hoch Null] – catch the ensemble along with Mr. Monodread at Mako Livehouse tonight. And lastly, celebrate seven years with China’s Brazilian drumming ensemble Templo del Samba at Dos Kolegas.

SUNDAY

Hard rock Scandinavian outfit Dynazty join Los Crasher to catch that old time feeling at Mao Livehouse. Russian bossa nova ensemble Daily Prophet join Xinjiang progressive rocker Jurat T.T at Jianghu Bar. Folk night at School hosts Zhao Liang well things stay poppy at 69 Café with momosky. And finally, multi-national ensemble 2° [Eins Zwei Hoch Null] continues their tour of the city tonight at XP.