With a name that references ancient Taoist philosopher Zhuangzi, it’s little surprise that Chui Wan specializes in neo-psychedelia. The Beijing quartet forged their sound in the mid-noughties at the ongoing experimental weekly Zoomin’ Nights. Alongside peers like Birdstriking and Deadly Cradle Death, they formed the Psychoney Collective that reinvigorated Beijing’s music scene, a few years after the famed D22 post-punk scene produced local standouts like Carsick Cars and Hedgehog.
“We were supposed to launch a label for bands with similar musical preferences, but we’re too lazy,” guitarist Lin Xinyu laughs.
“We don’t perform so much together these days, but when we do it’s a lot of fun,” singer-guitarist-organist-violist Yan adds. “It’s part of the friendship!”
Like Birdstriking, the group is signed to Beijing indie institution Maybe Mars (P.K. 14, Duck Fight Goose). Unlike their noisier pals, Chui Wan explores the artsier side of psychedelia – foregoing mass distortion for locked-in grooves that are reminiscent of Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd, Velvet Underground at their most languid and Beijing art-rock innovators Snapline.
Their widely acclaimed 2012 debut White Nights led to two European tours. Last month, they performed across North America for the first time, winning rave reviews for their set at the Austin Psych-Fest, where they were on a bill alongside genre touchstones Tame Impala and Spiritualized.
They bring their national tour to Yuyintang on June 12 to celebrate their stunning sophomore album. Chui Wan ditches the reverb of their debut for something that drummer Li Zichao describes as “more primitive.”
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Although the disc isn’t drenched in overdubs, it fully shows off the evolution of Chui Wan. Immaculately arranged trebly guitar riffs, buzzing organs and atmospheric viola are layered over a surprisingly danceable rhythm for a sound that is otherworldly yet accessible.
“This time we left more space on the songs and wanted to keep it simple,” Lin adds. “We wanted to make something that was inclusive and just let it be.”
// June 12, 9.30pm-late, RMB60-80. Yuyintang.
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