Time for Rock...
Time for Rock...
Hedgehog, the Beijing-based trio formed in 2005 by ZO (Zhao Zijian) and Atom (Shi Lu), has become a cornerstone of China's indie rock scene. Known for their infectious songwriting and electrifying live performances, they've earned a reputation as a must-see act across the country.
Their sound is a potent blend of influences, drawing from the raw energy of The Ramones, the melodic hooks of The Jesus and Mary Chain, and the grunge grit of Nirvana. This potent cocktail has landed them features in City Weekend's "The Beijing Bands You Should Already Know About" and "The Hottest Bands of 2011", solidifying their status as a major player in the Chinese music landscape.
A key element of Hedgehog's energy is Atom, whose small stature belies a ferocious drumming style. Her moniker, a nod to Astroboy, embodies her surprising power and energy. While ZO primarily handles lead vocals in both Mandarin Chinese and English, Atom also occasionally takes the mic, adding another layer of dynamism to the band's sound.
In 2011, Hedgehog took their sound stateside, embarking on a US tour alongside Xiu Xiu. This tour culminated in the recording of "[Sun Fun Gun]" in New York City, produced by Jon Spencer Blues Explosion's John Grew and Russell Simins.
Beyond their main act, ZO and Atom also have a side project, B-Side Lovers, which they formed in 2009. This two-piece venture allows them to explore a more experimental edge, focusing on raw songwriting and instrumental innovation.
Hedgehog, with its unique sound and explosive live shows, continues to push boundaries and pave the way for a vibrant indie rock movement in China. Their music, a sonic blend of influences and infectious energy, is a powerful force that transcends language barriers and captures the hearts of audiences both in China and beyond.
