Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Chinese noise

Last night I met Yan Jun, a Beijing-based poet/musician/organizer. I dropped off some copies of the then new Black Monk LP for Yan Jun at a record store in 798 when I was in Beijing in 2007, but didn't end up seeing him in person. I got back in touch with him the other day. Luckily he remembered me, and told me about a weekly experimental music night at a bar a couple of miles away from my apartment.

I biked there solo and started talking to some Australians sitting out front, one of whom happened to be Aaron Hull, a touring field recorder/droner. His set was very good. Pretty atmospheric and amorphous but with some well-placed field samples and the slightest (slightest) hint of deep house rhythm to provide some structure.

Following Aaron were two Chinese noise bands that were virtually identical, except the second one had an additional dude to spit into a mic and flail around more than the others. These bands were ok, nothing special. I did like when this dude (above) started screaming into a tube. Wasn't moved by the laptop guy who looked like he was reading unimpressive emails the whole time.

And what should I pass on my ride home but 黑太阳酒吧... maybe next Tuesday.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Josh Feola

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