Sleeper Slants: Low Key Sleeper Gigs: Cobra Returns, Tianjin Grunge, Dark Moor and more

did anyone make it to dong dong last weekend? I really thought it would be a great opportunity to try and check out some of the cool new underground hip acts but failed miserably. This weekend is not looking much better for yours truly with goodbye parties etc… but one can dream, right? So let’s see what’s cooking in the big silly.

Friday Nov 15th

Guiguisuisui & Great Plains @ Old What Bar
2 weird band that are getting tons of positive feedback lately. GGSS made a lot of noise earlier this year when he visited the capital. Now, he actually lives here permanently as far as i know and taking full advantage of it by playing everywhere. Great Plains, more on the alternative side, are also a decent act to check out if you’re into melodic atmospheric music.

Dark Moor @ Yugong Yishan
Spanish symphonic metal… do i need to say more? kidding though.. i’ve actually heard some of their stuff online and it’s pretty darn solid. If you’re a closet Opeth fan, this one is definitely for you.

Saturday Nov 16th

Cobra Returns @ Yugong Yishan
well, not quite a return since they returned a few months ago but this is definitely the official “we are back” statement. As one of the original rock n roll acts of China, the scene can only benefit from them being back. Novaheart and Bigger Bang will be providing support. THis is an ACE gig folks.

Rocking @ 2 Kolegas
Tianjin’s grunge outfit, Crash, comes to Beijing for a visit and gets us a rare reunion of Nucleus in their support. And since it’s never enough to have one NIngxia band, Wu & the Side Effects will be on hand as well. This gig has “trouble” written all over it if you ask me.

Death to Ponies new EP @ Temple
Last time Shanghai’s Death to Ponies played Temple, the place nearly burned down. And you were there for free. This time, they’re returning with an album — the “SWINE WATER” EP. …. you’ve been warned!!

Sunday Nov 17th

Rock Like a Diamond @ Mao
Emmitter and a couple of other university bands, presumably the next generation of rock stars, will head down to gulou for a little rock around the clock. Did I mention Mao rules the sunday night music landscape?

Moonspell @ Yugong Yishan
Moonspell from Portugal is one of the most influential bands in the gothic metal genre. The band is known for its black theme, flamboyant background, complicated composition, and grand performance. Moonspell utilizes imageries such as wolverine and vampire…The unique atmosphere in their brilliant live shows is an unforgettable experience.