Noise Pollution: Sandee Chan at YGYS, Japanese Showcase at Omni Space, Loreli Turns Two

Will Griffith | Nov 17, 2017 2:30 pm | Add a comment | 1629 reads

Cold snaps be damned! While it may be alluring to many of you to hunker down for the weekend, nothing gets the blood flowing better than razor-sharp guitar melodies, thundering drums, lyrical injection, and other musical grasps for glory. And Saturday is simply killing it folks – psych-pop out of Japan finding its way over to Omni Space, Xi’an's finest rolling through Yugong Yishan, a reggae fest over at Yue Space, and, of course, the Loreli crew turning two with a blowout party at Temple. Yeah, if anything, I’m not sure I can handle this kind of heat.

Friday, Nov 17

Mandex, Day Dreamer, XueJi, Disorder, BlaiRy at School
Local promoters FanZui TuanHuo have booked an evening of J-rock inspired bands with a slew of bands influenced heavily by the J-rock movement (think anime theme songs). Taking the stage are the recently formed Mandex, former cover band Day Dreamer, troupe XueJi, J-rock and shoegaze-influenced five-piece Disorder, and BlaiRy (the nonsensical combination of Black and Fairy). RMB 70

Teenage Engineering Soundsystem, Punx, Fencha, Miike Snow/Tess at Yue Space
The creators of some of the most important electronics instruments in recent times – TES is a band comprised of both musicians and engineers from Teenage Engineering (TE). Live, they’re a collaborative musical and visual experiment mixing a wide range of electronic genres from ambient to techno, everything produced live without the use of computers. Watch them geek out alongside Prajnasonic crew members Punx and Fencha, who’ll be giving live sets. RMB 50

Bernadette Zeilinger (AT), Diego Muné (AT), Li Jianhong at Fruityspace
Contrabass recorder and flute player Bernadette Zeilinger from Austria joins her partner in crime, guitarist Diego Mune, for a special performance alongside guitar demi-god Li Jianhong. RMB 40

The Hunters, Joker’s Belief, Bang Bang Mary at Temple
One of Beijing’s hottest crowd-pleasers The Hunters combine old-school funk, soul, and rock classics with intoxicating delivery. They’re joined by the indie-funk-infused trickery of Joker’s Belief and skinny-jeaned rockers Bang Bang Mary. FREE

Beijing Axis at La Plantation
The chamber music ensemble founded in 2014, made up of talented musicians from the US, Taiwan, and Spain bring their love and commitment to the classics revealing their ‘original style and the logical links between their repertoires.' They’ll transform into a clarinet quintet for the evening. RMB 200

For I Am King (Holland) at 13 Club
Dutch metal outfit For I Am King, headed by frontwoman Alma Alizadeh, look to bring down the house in Wudaoku with a performance full of ‘furious metal riffs, distinctive melodies, vicious vocals and never-ending drum grooves.' RMB 120

Chen Shanni at Yugong Yishan
One of the biggest female musicians in the indie-pop world, the Taiwanese record producer and songwriter known as the "Queen of the Golden Melody" and "Queen of Chinese Independent Music," Sandee Chan (Chinese name: Chen Shanni) is a jack of all trades. She’s in town promoting her newest album with her new label with an extravagant multimedia show. RMB 460

Wu Ning Yue at Snail Club (Pinganli)
Frontman for Ningxia folk-rock legends Buyi goes solo at the new Snail Club in Pinganli Expect warm banter and even warmer folk tunes. RMB 80

Wang Yunyi at Tango
The Taiyuan born jazz singing phenomenon Wang Yunyi gives a special ‘movie theme’ performance at Tango where she’ll be belting sultry classics and originals with the accompaniment of Kong Hongwei, one of China's finest jazz pianists. RMB 200

Mizang at DDC
Long-standing blues-rock outfit Mizang, who have been performing for over fifteen years, finish off their tour, with a soulful, Chicago-era-invoking blues breakdown at none other than DDC in support of their forthcoming album. RMB 100

Guo Xu at Omni Space
After three years on the grind the Beijing based folk singer-songwriter Guo Xu is ready to unveil his debut Mr. Dog, a tender collection of songs that pack emotions highs and lows, lonesome vulnerability, and cynical laughter all into one. Catch him at Omni Space as apart of his nationwide tour. RMB 100

Rhapsody (IT) at Mao Livehouse
Get your Tolkien fix and relish in the age of fire and ice, of dragons and swords as behemoth Italian symphonic metal band Rhapsody (also known as Rhapsody of Fire) bring the goods to Mao Livehouse as the band which formed in the early nineties embarks on their farewell tour with their original lineup! RMB 480

Li Yu, SSB at Blue Stream Bar
Li Yu and his band take the stage at Blue Stream this Friday, playing a mix of folk and light rock. Joining them are SSB, a five-man group brought together by their love for rock and roll. RMB 50

Eluvia at Jianghu Bar
Playing rock and roll, with country, reggae, and modern Chinese folk elements, Eluvia brings together the best of Western and Chinese traditions. RMB 60

Carmen Souza (Portugal) at Blue Note
The jazz singer who sings in her ancestor’s Creole dialect, seamlessly blends together the sound and rhythms of Cape Verde and Africa with contemporary jazz in one volatile package. RMB 400

Tavey Lean and The Solid Gold Dream Machine at Modernista
Audience favorites, and the ‘Postmodern Jukebox’ trendsetters Tavey Lean and The Solid Gold Dream Machine bring their impressive repertoire of classic soul, RnB, 3-piece horn section, and rock and roll fun to Modernista. RMB 50

Saturday, Nov 18

Tempalay (JP), dimico (JP), MONO NO AWARE (JP) at Omni Space
One of the highlights of my trip to Japan last winter was checking out the enormous music scene. One band I was introduced to was Tempalay, the jangly psych-pop outfit, whose mix of tropical psychedelia and bubbly indie-pop won me over completely. Looks like they've got some fans in China too as they head over to Omni Space alongside fellow Tokyo indie outfits dimico and MONO NO AWARE. With slacker rock, shoegaze, and psychedelic music on the rise think we're going to be seeing a lot more of Japan rolling through China and I couldn't be happier. RMB 220

Fazi, Endless White at Yugong Yishan
Maybe Mars post-punk darlings from Xi'an are, simply put, an astounding live act – a jittery, heartfelt blend of post-punk swag and indie-rock pop that keeps the pace lively and the melodies coming full on. They roll through Gulou as part of their nationwide tour in support of their latest emotional roller coaster of an album Heart of Desire. Better yet, the band will be joined by fellow Xi'an band Endless White, a shoegaze band that’s primed to hit it big next year – serious buzz on these guys. RMB 100

Tavey Lean & The Solid Gold Dream Machine, Boss Cuts, Sardine is Back and the Wheel is Broken at Temple
The Loreli team celebrate two years of kick-ass coverage of the music and art scene and beyond with a ‘shindig worthy of the sacred halls of Temple.' Shameless dancing. Surf-rock riffs. Drunken open mic poetry. Rock and roll antics turned up to eleven. An awards show worth watching. Debauchery of the highest order. And live music from Tavey Lean, Boss Cuts, and Sardine is Back and the Wheel is Broken. Shit’s gonna get cray-cray. Expect nothing more from the fine women and men of Loreli. FREE

Blood Dunza, Mouse FX, ChaCha, Jado, Raddam Ras, General Huge at Yue Space
This nation's finest artists exploring reggae in China gather to debut the "China Reggae All Stars Tour" across 6 cities, ringing up the year in epic style. On the roster are Heavy HK founder Blood Dunza, Shanghai's Jado of the Far East Lion, and the ever-prolific ChaCha, as well as DB Bros homestays Raddam Ras and General Huge. Interweaving reggae with dub, drum n bass, electronic music, jungle, dancehall, hip-hop, and more, expect a packed house. RMB 150

Li Eryang & Qi Ming at Yichang Café
With influences ranging from Neil Young to Bob Dylan, avant-garde guitarist, Li Eryang refuses to stick to one pattern, exploring new possibilities and playing in a style that’s anything but conventional. Catch him at the cozy café venue alongside fellow storyteller Qi Ming. (7.30 start) RMB 70

Stevie Mac & The Mac Daddies at DDC
After a year’s hard work, the ten-member-deep jazz-pop troupe known for bringing a vintage approach to contemporary music, will release their highly anticipated Extended Play featuring five original tracks, and one bonus Christmas track. RMB 50

Samaga at Fruityspace
"Indian, Middle Eastern, and worldwide musical influences with a joyful dash of modern harmonies" – Samaga melts modern compositions into Indian ambiances, delivering their own interpretation of traditional Arabic Maqam and Indian Raga. RMB 50

Hustle and Flow Acappella Battle Tour at School
The Hustle and Flow Acappella Battle Tour is upon us! With previous stops already being held in Chongqing, Guangzhou, Changsha, Xi'an, and Urumqi, it’s now Beijing’s turn to lay down their best rhymes for a chance to win RMB 2,000. Bring your A-game and rise to the top! RMB 120

Zhou Fengling at Jianghu Bar
One of the OGs of the Mainland rock scene, Zhou Fengling has been here from the start, playing with yaogun band Face and working with everyone from Dou Wei to Faye Wong. He’s been going solo for some time now and will be bringing his newest album 1986 (an obvious nod to the year that Chinese rock and roll emerged) to Jianghu Bar. RMB 100

Hentai Maid, Anduril, Armor Forest, Necronoumena, Bliss Illusion, Snow Sedim, Pray Unholy at Laifu Livehouse
There is zero information for this show but already I can tell from the poster that you’re in for some black as night, death metal that will have your grandma praying for an early demise. When you got a band with a name like Hentai Maid, you’re either in or you’re out. Seriously – Hentai Maid. Kids these days. Mosh pits much welcomed. RMB 100

Chinatown, Mr. Honey, Broozers, Large Magellanic at Mao Livehouse
Taking a cue from the old Mao Livehouse (who are definitely not pleased with the new Mao Livehouse) the new Wukesong joint is bringing together some of the indie pop scenes biggest hitters – from the hornful Mr. Honey, to Britpop outfit Large Magellanic, and more – to ignite Haidian. RMB 80

Initiatives Trio (FR) at La Plantation
The French jazz trio with Jean Christophe Cholet on piano, Gildas Bocle on double bass, and Quentin Cholet on drums find a balance between written compositions and improvised moments leaving ‘a genuine space for expression’. RMB 200 (7pm start)

Anlaining at Snail Club (Pinganli)
Shanghai-based urban folk musician Anlaining performs at Snail Club – expect a gentle affair that spotlights An’s acoustic guitar, melodic vocals, and his poetic lyrics. RMB 100

Carmen Souza (Portugal) at Blue Note
Jazz singer Carmen Souza sings in her ancestor’s Creole dialect, seamlessly blending together the sound and rhythms of Cape Verde and Africa with contemporary jazz in one volatile package. RMB 400

Zhang Qianqian at Mogu Space
Veteran sing-songwriter Zhang Qianqian, a staple of the folk scene since her debut in 1996, gives a special showcase courtesy at Mogu Space. RMB 80

Jordan Senior (UK) at DDC
UK songwriter Jordan Senior brings his mixture of folksy blues guitar and harmonica to DDC for an afternoon performance. RMB 50 (3pm start)

The Basement at Modernista
The Basement, the multi-national rock and soul outfit, "united through serendipity and the love of music," get down with it over at Modernista. FREE

Secondhand Gear and Vinyl Market at FLOSO
This Saturday from 3-7pm, vinyl and clothing boutique joins label Ran Music for a gear and vinyl market where folks can grab cheap secondhand gear and get discounts on vinyl. FREE

Sunday, Nov 19

Inspirative (Thailand) at Mao Livehouse
The post-rock outfit from Bangkok, Thailand, who formed in 2006, swing through Wukesong with their beautifully transcendent music composed of expansive melodic guitar and ambient field recordings. This is their second stint in China since 2016 so they’ve gotta be doing something right! RMB 120

Ma, Heartland, Miga, Hangnail, XueFengChe at School
Sunday night rocking with female-fronted nu-metalheads with an indie-rock twist Ma, pop-rock folk fivesome Heartland, female pop-punk dudettes Miga, punk band Hangnail, and finally pop-rockers XueFengChe. Gonna get hectic. RMB 70

Mask, Pluto, Boss Cuts, Shanguangdeng, Battle & JC at Yue Space
Pop-rock, soul, surf, post-rock, children wielding keyboards, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg to music platform W&M’s two-year anniversary bash at Yue Space, where Boss Cuts, Mask, Pluto and more converge for some Sunday evening fun. RMB 80 (7pm start)

Chieli Minucci & Lao Tizer Quartet at Omni Space
Driven by an explosive mix of jazz, rock, classical, jam band influences and Afro Cuban and world rhythms, the jazz quartet led by American keyboardist/composer Lao Tizer and fellow American guitarist Chieli Minucci, who have won acclaims and awards from just about everywhere, bring their contemporary jazz to Omni Space. RMB 120

Heat Mark at Snail Club (Pinganli)
Beijing indie rock duo Heat Mark are back in business. The band who released their sublime debut Heartless Thing earlier this year – an airy, energetic, sultry eleven-track album that coasts on lead singer Liu Pianpian’s raspy, airless disarming voice (and guitarist Wang Zhiwne’s refined, ravenous, poppy riffs – have been on tour for much of the year. They hit up the new Snail Club in Pinganli. RMB 100

Magic Stone, Spicy Fish, Sanxianerpin, Yuxin Zhang at Yugong Yishan
Singer and artist Zhao Xiaojia presents his latest art exhibition at Yugong Yishan before he hits the stage alongside his band Magic Stone and a slew of guests including folk-rockers Sanxianerpin, Yuxin Zhang and even some mystery bands. RMB 120

Anna Kaouri Jazz Quartet at Modernista
Jazz singer Anna Kaouri pays tribute to Modernista with some sweet and warm Greek love as her and her multi-cultural band blend jazz, funk and blues, captivating audiences with their unique mix of smooth and dynamics rhythm. FREE

Just Chellin’ Duo – Joy Stuhr, Nicole Jahng at DDC
Just Chellin' goes into duo-mode today as Joy Stuhr (USA) and Nicole Jahng (USA), bringing their cellos and radiant voices to the stage, whilst playing original music and fun covers with fresh creativity and a little jazzy soul. RMB 50

Li Ou at DDC
The tender indie-pop singer-songwriter Li Ou returns to Beijing after a tour through the country for the past two months in support of his 2016 release. RMB 100

Initiatives Trio (FR) at La Plantation
The French jazz trio with Jean Christophe Cholet on piano, Gildas Bocle on double bass, and Quentin Cholet on drums, find a balance between written compositions and improvised moments leaving "a genuine space for expression." RMB 200 (4pm start)