Time for Rock...
Queen Sea Big Shark (English: Queen Sea Big Shark, abbreviated as Hou Sha) is a rock band from Beijing, formed in late 2004 and debuted in 2005.
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.
Boston, the American rock band that emerged from the crucible of 1970s Boston, Massachusetts, is a true icon of the genre. Led by the multi-talented Tom Scholz, who wrote, produced, and played the majority of instruments on their 1976 self-titled debut, Boston captivated audiences with their soaring vocals, signature guitar riffs, and powerful ballads. Brad Delp, the iconic lead vocalist, lent his voice to the band's most memorable songs, forming a vocal harmony with Scholz that became a defining element of Boston's sound.
The band's impact on the rock scene is undeniable, fueled by anthems like "More Than a Feeling," "Peace of Mind," "Foreplay/Long Time," "Rock and Roll Band," "Smokin'," and "Don't Look Back." These tracks, along with others, have helped Boston sell over 75 million records globally, placing them among the world's best-selling music artists. Their debut album, a massive commercial success, alone shifted 17 million copies, while their second album, "Don't Look Back," sold a further seven million.
Despite their commercial success, Boston's recording output has been relatively sparse since the 1980s. Nevertheless, they have maintained a devoted fanbase, continuing to tour extensively and hinting at the possibility of a seventh studio album. The band's unique sound, characterized by Scholz's intricate guitar work and Delp's powerful vocals, has cemented their place in rock history, earning them the title of 63rd best hard rock artist by VH1.
After Delp's tragic passing in 2007, the band has continued to perform, with vocalists like Michael Sweet (Stryper) and, since 2013, Tommy DeCarlo, carrying the torch. The current lineup includes guitarist Gary Pihl, bassist Tracy Ferrie, drummer Jeff Neal, and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Beth Cohen, all contributing to Boston's enduring legacy.
Boston's music continues to resonate with audiences across generations, proving that their powerful blend of hard rock and melodic ballads remains timeless. The band's story is one of creative vision, unwavering dedication, and a lasting impact on the world of rock music.
Queen, a legendary British rock band, burst onto the scene in London in 1970, spearheaded by the charismatic Freddie Mercury (vocals, piano), the virtuoso Brian May (guitar, vocals), and the powerhouse Roger Taylor (drums, vocals). They initially carved their path through a blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and heavy metal, crafting intricate and ambitious soundscapes.
But Queen wasn't content with staying in their sonic comfort zone. They embraced musical evolution, gradually incorporating elements of arena rock and pop rock, creating a sound that resonated with a wider audience. Before their rise as Queen, May and Taylor had already made waves with the band Smile. It was Mercury, a devoted fan, who urged them to push the boundaries of their sound and embrace theatrical performances. In 1970, he joined their ranks, and the band adopted his suggestion for their name: "Queen". The lineup was completed by the arrival of John Deacon (bass) in 1971.
Their self-titled debut album dropped in 1973, laying the groundwork for a truly phenomenal career. 1974 saw Queen break into the UK charts with their second album, Queen II, followed by the explosive Sheer Heart Attack later that same year. But it was their 1975 masterpiece, A Night at the Opera, that propelled them to international stardom. This album featured the iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody," a six-minute opera rock epic that dominated the UK charts for an astounding nine weeks and revolutionized the music video format.
The band continued their reign of rock with the 1977 album News of the World, which spawned the anthems "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions" - now synonymous with sporting events worldwide. Queen's musical journey was marked by their willingness to experiment, their theatrical stage presence, and their ability to craft anthems that continue to inspire and resonate with generations of fans. They remain an undeniable force in the world of rock, a testament to their raw talent, creative brilliance, and unwavering passion for music.
Young Drag Band, an independent rock band from mainland China, was formed in Qinzhou, Guangxi in 2016. The band members are Liu Ximon, Guo Weilen, and Jian Dan. They primarily play Indie rock, incorporating elements of DISCO, NEW WAVE, Post-Punk, and other musical forms. Their catchy guitar riffs and retro, minimalist drum beats, combined with the lead singer's playful and magnetic vocals, have become their signature sound. Since their formation, both their arrangements and live performances have captivated audiences, both new and old. In a short period, they have quickly established themselves as a band with a distinctive sound and taste in the Beibu Gulf region. They have also become widely recognized as a "rejuvenating" elixir in the Beibu Gulf region, praised by bands from other provinces. Their music draws inspiration from the people and events around them, but ultimately stems from the heart, showcasing a free-spirited approach while remaining introspective.
Artistic Journey:
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, one of the most influential and acclaimed acts to emerge from the post-punk and alternative rock scenes of the 80s, are a testament to the power of musical collaboration and artistic evolution. Born from the ashes of the legendary Birthday Party, the band's journey has seen them embrace a diverse array of influences, pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with their raw and often haunting soundscapes.
A Legacy of Change and Collaboration:
The story of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds begins in 1983, when the band's core members, Nick Cave (vocals) and Mick Harvey (multi-instrumentalist), decided to forge a new path following the breakup of their previous group, the Birthday Party. This new venture brought together a constellation of musicians from around the world, including guitarist-vocalist Blixa Bargeld. Over the decades, the band's lineup has remained fluid, reflecting Cave's constant desire to explore and collaborate with new artists. Today, the band boasts a dynamic lineup featuring Warren Ellis (violin, multi-instrumentalist), Martyn P. Casey (bass), George Vjestica (guitar), Larry Mullins (keyboards, percussion), Thomas Wydler (drums) and Jim Sclavunos (drums).
From Post-Punk to Global Sounds:
The band's early work, heavily influenced by post-punk, blues, and gothic rock, is evident in their debut album, "From Her to Eternity" (1984). This early period saw the band experiment with a range of sounds, drawing inspiration from diverse sources and incorporating artists like Blixa Bargeld, Barry Adamson, and Kid Congo Powers. As the band matured, they gradually softened their sound, incorporating elements of rock, folk, and even electronica. Albums like "The Good Son" (1990) and "The Boatman's Call" (1997) marked this shift, showcasing a more nuanced and introspective side to the band's musical palette.
The Departure of Harvey and a New Chapter:
Harvey's departure in 2009 marked a turning point for the band, prompting a further exploration of electronic and ambient styles. This exploration culminated in the "Push the Sky Away" (2013), "Skeleton Tree" (2016), and "Ghosteen" (2019) trilogy, which showcased a more experimental and expansive sonic landscape.
A Legacy of Darkness and Passion:
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds have, over their remarkable career, released eighteen studio albums and toured extensively, captivating audiences worldwide with their unique blend of darkness, passion, and musical virtuosity. Their music has become a soundtrack for many, exploring themes of love, loss, faith, and the human condition. The band's enduring legacy lies in their ability to continuously reinvent themselves while retaining a core sense of authenticity and artistic integrity.
Beyond the Band:
Beyond their musical accomplishments, the band's individual members have also embarked on successful solo careers, further solidifying their place as influential figures in the contemporary music scene.
The story of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is far from over. As they continue to push the boundaries of their artistry, their music continues to resonate with listeners, reminding us of the power of music to transcend time, space, and even death itself.
Sainthood Reps, the Long Island-bred indie rock quartet, exploded onto the scene in 2009, igniting a sonic firestorm with their emotive melodies and ferocious energy. The band's origins can be traced back to the shared musical passion of frontman/guitarist Francesco Montesanto and touring guitarist Derrick Sherman, both Long Island natives who had collaborated on various projects before uniting under the Sainthood Reps banner. Montesanto's raw songwriting, imbued with a potent blend of angst and introspection, resonated deeply with Sherman, and the two began crafting their own distinct brand of rock.
Their early demos, shared via Myspace in August 2009, hinted at the band's undeniable potential. The arrival of drummer Bradley Cordaro and bassist Jani Zubkovs solidified the lineup, and Sainthood Reps were officially born in September 2009.
Their debut tour, a December 2009 trek alongside All the Day Holiday, marked the beginning of their relentless touring schedule. A January 2010 tour with Caspian further established their presence in the underground rock scene, culminating in the release of a collaborative split EP with fellow emotive rockers O'Brother.
The following year, 2011, witnessed a pivotal moment for Sainthood Reps as they signed with the esteemed Tooth & Nail Records. This partnership led to the release of their highly anticipated debut album, "Monoculture," produced by the acclaimed Mike Sapone. "Monoculture" served as a powerful statement of intent, showcasing the band's raw talent and infectious energy.
While originally aiming to record a double EP in March 2010, the band found themselves swept up in a whirlwind of label interest, ultimately choosing to partner with Tooth & Nail Records for a full-length release.
"Monoculture" established Sainthood Reps as a force to be reckoned with, solidifying their position as a leading act in the vibrant indie rock scene. The record's impact would be further amplified with the release of their sophomore album, "Headswell," in October 2013, via No Sleep Records. With each release, Sainthood Reps continued to refine their sound, leaving an indelible mark on the rock landscape and solidifying their status as a band to watch.
