Background/Info: In this phenomenal compilation series devoted to Experimental music from all over the world, Unexplained Sounds Group now presents an exploration through the Chinese underground scene. Sixteen artists have been selected.
Artists: Chunyang Yao, Liu Yiwei, Baishui, Ruò Tán, Liangyiyuan, Broken Thoughts, Vavabond, Yingshui Dijiang, Hualun, Feng Jiangzhou, Li Yilei, Aplx, Hong Qile, Sun Wei, Xu Cheng, Li Daiguo.
Content: All I can tell you is there really is an underground scene in China. I expected a kind of Folk influences mixed with some Experimental treatments, but discovered surprising artists dealing with Ritual influences, others into pure Experimental creation and still a few Cinematographic projects. From pretty minimal sound experiences towards a touch of Psychedelic music to Noise-Ambient, this compilation really has a lot to offer.
+ + + : I guess it’s not that evident releasing a compilation devoted to any kind of Chinese Underground music genre. The Italian label got some help from Chunyang Yao and Jiahao Cao who both helped to see this project come through. It also is an opportunity to discover an unknown music scene based in a country, which remains driven by a political regime wherein the human rights are too often reduced to silence. But I discovered promising artists and absolutely great songs. Ruò Tán made a great impression on me by a deeply ritual track. This artist already released several Productions on the French-Chinese label WV Sorcerer Productions. Another interesting discovery is Feng Jiangzhou dealing with a more Minimal- and cinematographic track. A similar Cinematographic approach has been accomplished by Liu Yiwei. And if you’re more into a mix of ambient and Noise I can only but recommend Aplx. It’s a diversified, but great sonic experience throughout the Chinese Experimental scene.
– – – : Like any other compilation, there’re always a few artists and tracks that couldn’t totally convince, but belief me, there’s no reason to complaining here.
Conclusion: This new edition in the “Anthology of Experimental Music” is quite a surprise, but the Chinese scene clearly reveals a true potential and features talented artists.
Best bands: Ruò Tán, Feng Jiangzhou, Liu Yiwei, Aplx, Chunyang Yao.
Since you’re here …
… we have a small favour to ask. More people are reading Side-Line Magazine than ever but advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. And unlike many news organisations, we haven’t put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as open as we can. So you can see why we need to ask for your help.
Side-Line’s independent journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we want to push the artists we like and who are equally fighting to survive.
If everyone who reads our reporting, who likes it, helps fund it, our future would be much more secure. For as little as 5 US$, you can support Side-Line Magazine – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.
The donations are safely powered by Paypal.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.