Music Reviews – Local: May 2009
Songs That Sell Out
Arrows Made of Desire
Even after three years, it’s still difficult to find a category befitting Arrows Made of Desire. Their sound has a bit of everything – blues, rock, folk, even a hint of country. And, in a way, the second release from these Beijing-based indie rockers is a surprise – instead of a collection of “songs that sell fish” (the title of the band’s 2006 debut album), Songs That Sell Out contains melodies that are more simplistic and less aggressive. Some might interpret this as AMoD losing its edge; on the other hand, the lyrics on this sophomore attempt are more ambitious, targeting specific subjects rather than stabbing at obscurity. Lead vocalist Joewi Verhoeven seems to have found a different dimension to his style of singing, as the tracks possess a punch not present before. All in all, Songs That Sell Out gives the impression of a band that’s still exploring, and with more surprises up their sleeve. WG
Hare
Elvis.T
When Elvis.T left his home in Taipei, he had already made his mark as one of Taiwan’s most prominent DJs. He sought out new challenges on the mainland and eventually landed in Beijing, where he proceeded to help found local electronic collective Acupuncture in 2007. The group (which also lays claim to DJs Weng Weng, Pancake Lee and Terry Tu) has since evolved into a full-blown label, and Elvis.T’s Hare EP is their second release, downloadable at Beatport.com.
Don’t be deceived by the sight of only two tracks. As is typical of the genre, each goes on for days (“Hare” is close to ten minutes long and “Shranz is Gone?” runs a bit under seven). Play it on repeat and you may find, before you know it, a day has passed and you haven’t touched your playlist once. The man’s certainly got a way of sucking you into his entrancing world of squeaky sounds and pulsing rhythms. LL
Maybe Tonight
Joyside
After their Sex Pistols-esque Drunk Is Beautiful (2004), Bian Yuan and his fellow punksters seemed to be steering away from their dirty punkiness and toward a more refined style of classic rock – a transition visible on their 2007 album, Booze At Neptune’s Dawn. And their latest EP, Maybe Tonight (which includes a DVD documenting their European tour), reinforces the departure from that ’70s London spirit.
Just as their band name suggests, Joyside still revels in the pure enjoyments of rock & roll, alcohol, cigarettes and flaunting that “up yours” attitude. What’s new on Maybe Tonight, however, is a stronger sense of the desolation after the party – apparent in Bian Yuan’s less aggressive vocals and softer choruses from guitarist Liu Hongwei and bassist Liu Hao. Perhaps what we are witnessing is the death of a John Lydon and the rise of a David Bowie; whether this disappoints stubborn punk fans is a question Joyside will have to face. WG