Quickslants: Brain Failure, re-TROS, Wu Hongfei, Fish and Low Wormwood…

last week was a small but fun set of musical offerings that culminated with 2 fun performances by La Pegatina and some pretty crappy stuff b Ma Tiao and Mitabe…still, I won’t let that get me down a look forward to some good rock n roll in the next few days starting tonight! Some interesting gigs with RE-TROS, Novaheart, brain failure, flying mantas as well as Low Wormwood to look forward to. Let’s see how it all adds up:

Wednesday Nov 9:

F**king the Trouble @ Mao:
Residence A and Flying Mantas headline a nice heavy night at Mao where I coincidentally have not been for a long time. It might be time to head back over there! Both Ruby and I are extremely taken by that band’s live performances and I’m dying to catch the Mantas with new bass player. The lineup also includes some new names: Illness Sickness and Pirate Pistols. Not a bad wednesday offering.

Liu Yusi & friends @ Jianghu:
human boombox, Liu Yusi, headlines this now weekly series every wednesday at Jianghu with local country bluegrass roots acts. It’s also free which ain’t bad y’all. Tonight’s guests are the Ring Road Ramblers…. nice name!

Thursday Nov 10

Ding Fenghua @ Jianghu:
Film director, producer and folk guitarist, Ding Fenghua, is your host for this calm and quiet night over by the hutongs. I have not had the pleasure of seeing him before but by all accounts, it sounds like it could be special. One of those nights where it might be worth being a little adventurous.

Friday Nov 11th

Brain Failure @ Tango:
Beijing’s ultimate punksters, even as they grow older, can still rock your socks off. They impressed me on their last outing at Mao Live and here they go again with an interesting lineup of bands supporting them: Dude, a reunited Jacky Danny and Sleepism(never heard of them)… I expect quite a nice turnout for this one and I’m looking forward to seeing the reunited Jacky Danny with new drummer and bass.

Wu Hongfei @Yugong
Wu Hongfei and Happy avenue always bring a smile to my face… this night at Yugong Yishan, it will be a special one since it’s the lovely songstress’ birthday so the usual raucus of indie folksters will probably be on hand to help her celebrate. The show is dubbed ” Love Songs for the Lonely” so expect it to be extra romantic… what ever that means.

Saturday Nov 12:

Re-Tros @ 2Kolegas:
I haven’t had the pleasure of catching these guys since they played Strawberry early in May and they always impress… they might be one of the few bands i love that does not interact much with the audience. their brand of post-rock-punk is also something that appeals to me. I do expect 2 Kolegas to be jam packed for this one. Also on the bill is Helen Feng’s new solo project, Novaheart as well as the often misunderstood Candy Monster. Sure to be a fantastic and intense show.

Low Wormwood @ Mako:
The lanzhou band whose latest CD is simply good (stay tuned for a review) is hitting Beijing as part of their nationwide tour. I’m liking this latest addition to Maybe Mars and it’s gonna be tough to miss them..if I do end up missing them. expect earthy sounds, melodies, sing alongs and just generally good music. Expect it to be very reminiscent of Omnipotent Youth Society.Check out their music video for the song Lanzhou Lanzhou.

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMzExNzA3MDY0.html

Sunday Nov 13:

Thank you for the Fish @ Jianghu:
The experimental folksy side of SUBS, hiding behind their masks, will be on hand to gently rock the hutongs. I’m still coming to terms with this low key, understated Kang Mao but I love that she gets to showcase her vocals finally. Too many people have her written down as a screamer.