Chinese Rock and Roll in Austin
China has been experiencing a rock revolution and on the last night of SXSW those who stopped by the Speakeasy got to experience the bands making it happen. Carsick Cars, P.K. 14 (named by TIME as one of Asia’s Best Bands in 2008), Xiao He, Snapline, AV Okubo, and White all performed in a China rock showcase that was representative of the rising rock scene in China.
Rock first entered China in the 80’s but was pushed out again in the 90’s in favor of more sugary pop music. During the past decade it has seen a resurgence in the clubs of Beijing. It is so new and fresh many of the bands admit themselves they are still finding their own voice. @Webandflo said that P.K. 14 reminded her of the Ramones due to their raw, no-frills style, which is probably accurate considering the role these bands are playing in the establishment of rock in China.
If you are still in Austin, some of these front-running bands are playing again at Emo’s on March 30. You can download some of these band’s tunes for free here.
Photos below are courtesy of Althea Legaspi. Her review of the bands is here.
Categorized as News