Written into Mainland music lore as China’s original punk capital, a new crop of Wuhan bands are redefining the city’s sound. Leading the pack is Chinese Football who are touring the nation with stops in Beijing (Dec 4 @ School), Shanghai (Dec 18 @ Yuyintang) and Shenzhen (Dec 27 @ B10).
While the self-described emo group’s serene sound may seem counter to the in-your-face spirit of the city’s legendary bands SMZB and AV Okubo, Chinese Football singer/guitarist Xu Bo promises that the band carries on Wuhan’s fiery legacy.
“Live, we try to keep the original tension of punk music,” he says. “More importantly, we operate with a DIY attitude.”
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Comprised of veterans of the Wuhan’s music scene, Chinese Football formed four years ago buoyed by the chemistry of Xu and guitarist Wang Bo. The band’s lineup solidified when bassist Li San and drummer Xia Chao joined.
Citing late 1990s emo pioneers like Jimmy Eat World, Death Cab for Cutie, Get Up Kids and American Football as inspiration, Chinese Football specializes in a potent guitar-bass-driven wistful indie rock sound.
Much like the White Stripes, Xu finds the power in sticking to the basics. “By setting that limit of guitar, bass and drums, we’re constantly finding ways to break through to make something interesting,” he says.
Building up their chops at Wuhan’s legendary VOX livehouse, the band released their self-titled debut through the venues WILD record label imprint in September.
“We’re very happy and even a little surprised by the response,” Xu says. “On Bandcamp, we’re getting positive comments everyday from all over the world. Even the criticisms have been gratifying because it means someone is carefully listening and thinking about the music.”
Lyrically inspired by “the fantasy of youth and its frustration,” Xu promises the band remains young at heart despite all having day jobs and entering their 30s.
He brings up the rivalry between Herman and Max in Rushmore to note, “being young has nothing to do with age. I feel like I’m 20 when I’m performing.”
Chinese Football national tour:
> Guangzhou: Nov 20, 7.30-11.30pm, RMB80. T: Union.
> Macau: Nov 21. Tashi Square
> Hong Kong: Nov 22. Hidden Agenda
> Beijing: Dec 4, 9pm, RMB50-60. School.
> Shanghai: Dec 18, 9-11.30pm, RMB50-60. Yuyintang.
> Hangzhou: Dec 19. 8.30-10.30pm, RMB50-60. 9 Club
> Suzhou: Dec 20. Wave
> Xiamen: Dec 26. Real Live.
> Shenzhen: Dec 27, 8.30-10pm, RMB50-60. B10.
> Chengdu: Jan 8. Little Bar
> Chongqing: Jan 9. Nuts Club.
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