Noise Pollution: Omni Space Turns Two, Railway Suicide Train at Yue Space, Pacalolo at School

Will Griffith | Dec 21, 2018 10:00 am | Add a comment | 2043 reads

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than cozying up next to some of the country’s finest sounds? From psychedelia out of Hangzhou, to live drum n' bass antics to keep you moving through the night – plus a very celebratory evening for Beijing’s own Omni Space – there are plenty of good spirits to pass around this festive musical weekend.

Friday, Dec 21

Railway Suicide Train at Yue Space
Hangzhou neo-psychedelic band Wogui de Houche aka Railway Suicide Train whose 2016 release Aftermath was one of my favorites of that year are back on a national tour. The band is great at capturing that humid poetic sound that sways in and out of daydream romanticizing and reverb-heavy rock and roll blitz. A lo-fi buzz that’s turns volatile when shaken. They’ve amassed a huge following in the past couple years so expect a packed house. Support from up and coming Afro-beat groovers Sleeping Dogs. RMB 100

Shave 'N' Shut, Hell City, D-Crash, Labor Glory, Teddy at School Bar
Chaos Weekend returns to School Bar! Organized by HBK and Real Deal, the series brings together a ramshackle rambunctious group of bands for some tunes, drinking, and partying that’ll have you red-faced in no time. On hand will be oi punk ensemble Shave 'n' Shut, metal head street punks Hell City, d-beat hardcore crust punk dudes D-Crash, ultras punk troop Labor Glory, and Tianjin old school punk band Teddy. RMB 100

WHAI, White Paper, UNIT at Temple
Everyone’s favorite prog-rock group WHAI, fresh off their new EP, who have been together since 2012, have committed themselves to their heavy, offbeat brand of psychedelic rock and roll head over to Temple with post-punk groovers White Paper, also fresh off their debut release and UNIT – a new noise rock duo from the infamous Shirtless Mike (of Mammals) and Risteard O. Deorian (of Low Bow) that’s looks all kinds of scrappy fun. FREE

Yannick Barman (Switzerland), L+R, DJ Demone, Wen Liang x Xiao Ying at DDC
Swiss jazz trumpet player and electronic producer whose fusion of the two as made him one of the most sought-after producers across the world, teams up with Ran Music for an evening of electric and dynamic sounds from a variety of characters including L+R, whose mix of classical Chinese sounds and electronic soundscapes have wowed audiences for some time, as well as Wen Liang who’ll team up with fellow pianist and composer Xiao Wei, and DJ Demone of Hielektromen. RMB 80

Ding Wei at Mao Livehouse
Born in Nanjing, indie-pop singer-songwriter Ding Wei has long attracted audiences with her infectious pop songs that dabble in everything from trip-hop to electro-folk. She has performed at just about everywhere – from television shows to New Year’s Eve countdowns and her 2017 release Loose proved she’s just getting started. Catch her tonight at Mao Livehouse. RMB 230

Jesse Harris (US) at Blue Note
Grammy Award-winning songwriter, singer, guitarist and producer of artists from all over the world who got his start making records in the mid-90s with Once Blue (EMI Records), his first group and first experience writing for another singer. Since then he has worked with dozens of artists (most notably Norah Jones) and released 14 albums under his own name. His forthcoming, Aquarelle, recorded in Lisbon, will come out later this year. RMB 120-320

The Great Buffalo Blues at Modernista
The electric four-piece band that explores funk, blues, soul and reggae are back at Modernista with their unique musical style that’s unlike anything else. Expect a high-energy show that is guaranteed to keep you moving all night. FREE

OVDS, The Girl & The Robots, NeKo Jam at Omni Space
A trio of Taiwanese hottest acts get down and hot over at Omni Space including Nu Disco troupe The Girl & The Robots, who were nominated for ‘Best Newcomer’ at the Golden Melody Awards, as well as all-girl drum n' bass group NekoJam, and dubstep kids OVDS. Expect lots of EDM fans getting their party on. FREE

Liron Man (Isareal) at La Plantation
Liron Man is a composer, handpan and flamenco guitar player with an affinity for world music. He studied flamenco guitar with masters such as Antonio Rey, Juan Diego Mateos among others, and is a self-taught young handpan master. Born in Israel, he has lived in Spain, Canada, and now China; he has performed in nearly 30 countries and collaborated with artists such as Sandy Lam, Jorge Pardo and more. Liron has been recognized for his skills in performing at high speed and gained his nickname "Ghost Hands". RMB 200

Fan Yitang at Laifu Livehouse
Breaking the boundaries of traditional music, Chinese art-pop world fusion singer Fan Yitang performs down in Shuangjing at Laifu Livehouse. RMB 180

Hz, Ban, Left Behind Children, HunHeLiLun at BSP Livehouse
The Chaoyangmen venue continues picking up the pop-rock and punk masses that Beijing loves in indulge in. Tonight finds Left Behind Children, Ban and Hz among others. RMB 100

The Sound of Tangerine at FM Live
Not sure what’s going on with the duo of vocalist MuHeTaErJiang and guitarist Li Dong, but if it involves evoking the glorious music of Tangerine. I’m all ears. RMB 66

Flamenco Sin Fronteras at The Bookworm
The gypsy guitar duo formed of Ivan Dorzhiev and George Margiev dives into the genre’s huge diversity that spans Spain, Russia, and Eastern Europe - exploring the range of emotion that gypsy flamenco provides in its music, from lyrical ballads to playful rumbas to the deepest of laments. RMB 100

AZ, ENDY, Watermelon, DJ Fake at fRUITYSPACE
It’s a vinyl hoedown over at fRUTIYSPACE as AZ from Osaka label Revelation Time teams up with Endy of Groove Bunny Records and more to spin good vibes throughout the evening. RMB 60

Wang Qi at Pink Moon
Fast-rising Changsha folk-pop singer-songwriter Wang Qi gets down over at Pink Moon. RMB 66

Fei’s Jazz Quartet at The Bricks
One of China's top jazz vocalists Fei Yu, arrive at Sanlitun’s The Bricks for the first time – expect some fiery breezy jazz to whisk you away into the night. FREE

Saturday, Dec 22

Pacalolo, Uncle Bad at School
Disco-punk duo turned trio (with Rolling Bowling drummer Xiao Bai in tow) have been making Beijing music fans dance and get crazy for over five years now. After an exciting year that saw them touring the nation, they’re ready to heat up School Bar with a special showcase that’s sure to feature drinking, dancing, and D D D D Disco! Support from the ska-punk outfit with double male/female vocals Uncle Bad. RMB 80

Sophie’s Garden, Dr. V’Agent, Evolution Era, LST Orchestra, Amberworms, Pure, Gloomy Angel, Feline, Liangzhu at Omni Space
Wuo at Omni Space brings prizes, cash and great artists to the stage – and all for free! Check out Britpop rockers Sophie’s Garden, industrial rockers Dr. V’Agent, electronic act Evolution Era, Lanzhou-based electro-pop outfit LST Orchestra, punk and Brit rockers Amberworms, grunge rockers Pure, J-pop singer Gloomy Angel, indie rockers Feline, and guitarist Liangzhu perform. 4pm start. FREE

Charles LaReau (US), Seesar at fRUITYSPACE
Charles LaReau, member of originally US-based sound/art deconstruction collective, Naturaliste presents his solo project Das Torpedoes full of ambient drones, field recordings and other power electronics. He’ll be joined by Shanghai-based Seesar who partakes in Lovecraftian Futurist dark ambient soundscapes using traditional percussion, homemade instruments, and ready-made objects. Hell yeah. RMB 40

Hoochie Coochie Gentlemen at Jianghu Bar
Veteran blues-rock outfit Hoochie Coochie Gentlemen look to bring the good vibes to the cozy Jianghu Bar – harmonica, acoustic guitars, and some very merry singers. These cats are pros and have been working the crowds for ages – expect nothing less than a harmonica-infused evening of homegrown blues. RMB 100

Jungle Mico Project at Temple
The live drum’n’bass band – and one of Temple’s biggest hitters – return this Friday - led by the well known electronic drummer Mico, the ensemble mix elements of ‘live Drum'n'Bass, Dubstep, Dub, Break beats, Deep techno and more - all performed live on real instruments in real time.’ Expect a wild n’ out crowd. FREE

Wang Juan, Wang Shuangfeng, Da Hui, Liu Shi Yang at Mogu Space
One of the folk scene’s most pristine and celebrated singer-songwriters, Wang Juan, gives an intimate performance this evening at Mogu Space along with her friends and bandmates. The esteemed folk ballad writer who founded Owl Bar in 2000 and was a constant presence at the renowned River Bar, has recently been incorporating more rock elements in her shows through her captivating voice remains front and center. RMB 90

Ember Swift at Modernista
Known for her unique, jazz-influenced guitar playing and elastic vocals, the Canadian born Beijing based singer-songwriter Ember Swift has been a fixture of the Beijing music scene for years releasing an array of LPs and melding Mandarin, English, and French into one intoxicating package. FREE

Liang Dong Jiang at T-House
Chinese singer Liang Dong Jiang also known as Soybean Liang, a graduate of the China Conservatory of Music in 2016, where he studied with the famous Chinese composer Shi Wanchun, will have a special showcase at T-House by Tuanjiehu. One of the first singers to showcase original works on “The Voice of China” in 2014, he has since amassed a following of fans. RMB 100

Journey to the West, Need A Name, Scissor Hands at Mao Livehouse
Crosstalk folk-rock troupe Journey to the West bring their legendary rock spirit to Mao Livehouse as they present their new MV and celebrate the end of the year in style. RMB 120

Gao Feng at DDC
Singer Gao Feng, head of the R&B soul-pop outfit G-Eleven brings his jazzy indie pop tunes to DDC tonight as the veteran artist releases her latest solo album ‘Urban Soul’. RMB 150

The Sullivan Fortner Trio (US) at Blue Note
Lauded as one of the top jazz pianists of his generation, Sullivan Fortner is recognized for his virtuosic technique and captivating performances. The winner of three prestigious awards – a Leonore Annenberg Arts Fellowship, the 2015 Cole Porter Fellowship from the American Pianists Association, and the 2016 Lincoln Center Award for Emerging Artists – Sullivan’s music embodies the essence of the blues and jazz as he connects music of all eras and genres through his improvisation. RMB 120-360

Xian, Steve Blaque, John Haba at FM Live
American artist and producer Steve Blanque joins 60s California riffing folkster John Haba and String aka Xian, who combines 'world music, Chinese traditional melodies and spiritual/religious themes. RMB 66

Eluvia at Blue Stream Bar
Eluvia, an acoustic roots-based rock band, blends elements of western folk with Chinese traditional music, utilizing everything from the banjo to the yangqin, and fused with electric guitar hooks, jangly acoustic guitar rhythms, and heartfelt vocal harmonies. FREE

ZaZaZsu, Gun Er at Pink Moon
Jazz-pop troupe ZaZaZsu bring their sun-flowery selves to Pink Moon alongside folk singer-songwriter Gun Er. RMB 66

Leina Jazz Quintet at The Bricks
Singer Leina brings her jazzy skills to The Bricks in Sanlitun with the help of pianist Xiao Anxiang, saxophonist Liu Zinan, bassist Bi Zhigang, and drummer Liu Ziyi. FREE

Sunday, Dec 23

Queen Sea Big Shark, Da Bang, Gao Jiafeng, Gossip Boys, LST, Cosmic Project at Tango
Looks like it may be sold out already and it’s easy to see why – indie rock legends Queen Sea Big Shark joining some serious talent – including electro-rock favorites Da Bang, KTV rap star Gao Jiafeng, rap duo Gossip Boys, plus electronic producer LST and world music electronic fusion duo Cosmic Project. I could go on about how ridiculously good all these cats are but like I said – have a feeling this bad boy is sold out. RMB 280

JungleMico Project, INXU, Dreaming Julie, Sand, Fang ShiEr at Omni Space
Omni Space – the Temple of Heaven adjacent space that no one thought to last to see the day celebrates two years with a killer showcase featuring some of their favorite supporters – including live drum’n’bass outfit Junglemico Project, experimental sound collage jazz troupe Dreaming Julie, epic post-rock film soundtrackers INXU, folk-rock legends Liu Donghong and Sand, and indie art-pop singer Fang ShiEr. 7pm start. RMB 120

Larry's Pizza, 0190, The Second Kick, Boss First, Bomb Golf at School
Credit to Dan for this blurb calling tonight ‘a new school punk fan's wet dream’. Bringing the sweet sweet pleasure are long-term skate punk trio Larry's Pizza, pop-punk outfit 0190, Langfang (who here knows where Langfang?) melodic punk ruffians The Second Kick, and out of Tianjin - new school pop-punk trio Boss First and fellow melodic punk trio Bomb Golf. Digging the neighborly love. RMB 70

Zhao Cong, Weiwei, Zhu Wenbo + Miguel A.Garcia at fRUITYSPACE
An evening of improvisational performances and experimental soundscapes courtesy of laptop noise artist Wei Wei (of Vavabond), as well as Zhao Cong and Zhu Wenbo of Zoomin’ Night fame, the latter who be joining Spanish electro-acoustic improviser Miguel A. Garcia for a special set. RMB 50

The Big Thunder, Mr. Freeman at Temple
Grunge rock renegades The Big thunder bring their pop-flavored rock and rock to Temple Bar alongside Mr. Freeman, veterans of the local music scene – whose fusion of pop, punk, hip-hop and blues have made them audience favorites. FREE

Li Jianqing at Mao Livehouse
Chinese Mandarin pop singer-songwriter (and accomplished violinist) Li Jianqing from Guangxi, known most notably for his work with folk-rock band Purple Sun as well as being the deputy chief of the Guangxi Symphony Orchestra, performs tonight in Wukesong. RMB 220

Utar Artun (Turkey) at DDC
Accomplished pianist Utar Artun, a graduate of Berklee College of Music, has composed and arranged over 80 pieces for symphony orchestra, as well as more than 120 pieces for brass bands and big bands. Catch him this afternoon at DDC. 3pm start. RMB 80

Dafay at DDC
Esteemed blues musician Daffy brings his rich instrumentation and twenty years of experience to the stage as the mainstay closes out his latest China tour. RMB 100