Chui Wan

Beijing’s Chui Wan (吹万) returns after a three-year absence with their sophomore effort – the self-titled Chui Wan. The four-piece band continues their exploration of experimental psychedelic rock, only this time, tapping into their vast musical heritage to push more boundaries with their instrumentation and arrangement. From the album’s press release:

“On Chui Wan, the focus is less on the unbridled, reverb-drenched inflections of White Night [Their debut album], drawing more from the band's wide palette of influences, including Sufi music, Southeast Asian folk tunes, and 20th-century avant grade composition. (Chui Wan) aim to embody a pop-influenced idiom of rock music, creating their own musical language in the process”.

Overall, the album’s sound is an interesting balance of Asian traditional melodies and late 1970’s, early 1980’s New York post-punk dance rhythms. Noteworthy all the way.

RIYL: Bush Tetras, Birdstriking, DNA, Polyrock, and, Föllakzoid.

FCC CLEAN!!
Recommended Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 6, and 8

1. (3:58) **Seven Chances – Stunner opener with no-wave trademarks everywhere. Guitar-driven minimal pop.
2. (5:16) **Estivation – N.Y. early 1980’s post-punk-funk rhythm. Dazzling guitar work.
3. (4:14) **Vision – Playful, almost tropical-inspired tune. Enjoyably weird.
4. (4:29) On The Other Ocean – Slow track with impressive build-up and the most traditional Asian-inspired melody yet. Bassist singing – pleasant voice.
5. (4:52) Only – Mid-tempo, guitar-driven number. Progressive meets no-wave rock. Strange structure.
6. (7:00) *The Sound Of Wilderness – Slow track surrounded by loud repetitive guitar and synth parts. Hypnotic effect, almost ceremonial.
7. (5:37) Silence – Another slow-paced tune that feels more part of a film score due to its construction. Cinematic. Bassist contributes vocals.
8. (7:44) **Beijing Is Sinking – Eastern melody, Western arrangements and a long and slow ambitious build-up full of noise rock catharsis/purgation. Sonic Youth would be proud.