I can still vividly recall the first time I experienced And So I Watch You From Afar live in Beijing. The sheer unexpectedness of their intricate instrumentation, the dizzying shifts in rhythm, and the powerful wall of sound created by guitars and aggressive percussion completely captivated me.
That performance felt like a turning point in my musical journey. The flexible rhythms and complex note patterns of Math Rock opened my ears to a world of fresh and exciting bands from across the globe. It also led me to discover incredible math rock sensibilities closer to home, right here in China, where I was born and live. I knew immediately that these bands deserved to be heard by international audiences.
Many Chinese math rock bands initially drew inspiration from pioneers like Toe and American Football (who hasn’t?). Their early work often intertwined with emo, post-rock, ambient, and even Oriental or J-style influences. However, the Chinese math rock scene has exploded in recent years with bands incorporating a much wider range of influences. Today, you can find heavier riffs, more aggressive beats, and even djent-inspired cadenzas within the compositions of Chinese math rock artists.
So, are you ready to dive into the world of Chinese math rock? Below is a curated list of bands just waiting to be discovered. Some are incredibly new, yet to release EPs or albums, while others are sadly disbanded but have left behind a legacy of fantastic music. All you need to do is put on your headphones, find a comfortable spot, and let the music take over. You’re in for a truly rewarding listening experience.
Chinese Football
Location: Wuhan
Key Album: 《Chinese Football》
Chinese Football’s self-titled debut album, released in 2016, garnered significant praise on Bandcamp and even earned a spot in Fecking Bahamas’ Top-50 Albums of 2016. Having recently completed a Japan tour, they are poised to release a new EP soon. What I find particularly compelling about Chinese Football is their vibrant songwriting. Their live performances are also incredibly energetic. You can practically feel the youthful exuberance radiating from their songs, which is truly captivating.
Song Menu to Feed Your Appetite: 《400米/400 miles》
DOC
Location: Dalian
Key Album: 《Northern Electric Shadow》
DOC (Dalian Obscure Club), formerly known as the indie rock band Doc Talk Shock, unveiled their debut album last year. This release was followed by a China tour alongside electronic/indietronica band Duck Fight Goose, significantly boosting their profile among Chinese music enthusiasts. DOC’s music is characterized by its ambient emotional depth, interwoven with math-influenced synth and guitar lines and rhythms. They also incorporate more pronounced electronic elements into their sound.
Song Menu to Feed Your Appetite: 《Metropolitan-Viewer》
鬼否 (GriffO)
Location: Hangzhou
Key Album: Cosmos Egg
GriffO maintained a very active performance schedule last year. They released their second EP, Cosmos Egg, which was mixed and mastered by Miura Kaoru, known for his work with Lite. Their recent creations demonstrate a marked maturity compared to their earlier work. I was particularly struck by the J-style instrumental melodies and the dream-pop infused vocals, a unique and compelling combination.
Song Menu to Feed Your Appetite: 《Freaky》
48V
Location: Chengdu
Key Album: South, South Ⅱ
48V has long been a favorite among Chinese post-rock aficionados, and they are definitely one of my personal favorites. The exquisitely crafted and interwoven musical phrases create a perfect dialogue between different instruments. Their songs are enriched with pulsing electronic beats and a distinct oriental melodic sensibility that is both captivating and rewarding upon repeated listens. Their music evokes the humid atmosphere of Chengdu perfectly. Furthermore, the solo work of their guitarist, Fayzz, is also exceptional, exploring math rock alongside jazzy hip-hop and other genres.
Song Menu to Feed Your Appetite: Dazzle Style
Lava|Ox|Sea
Location: Shanghai
Key Albums: NEXT EPISODE: LORD. SMART VS DR. JIN, Heavy Metal Rock is the Best Music
Han Han, a member of Lava|Ox|Sea, also formed the aforementioned indietronica band Duck Fight Goose. However, in China, we haven’t forgotten the immense influence of Lava|Ox|Sea, despite their disbandment. Their songs never fail to impress me with each listen. The seamless fusion of vocal melodies with the instrumental arrangements is truly remarkable, creating a cohesive and captivating math rock experience.
Song Menu to Feed Your Appetite: Kaleidoscope
Spiral Cow
Location: Dalian
Key Album: Nod 4, Like Playing to a Cow, Strange Meat
Spiral Cow is often cited as the first math rock band in China, although the members themselves didn’t necessarily focus on genre labels. In their music, you’ll find heavy guitar riffs and progressive structures, blended with elements of jazz, experimental music, noise, and even post-punk. I had the chance to see their final performance before they dissolved, and it left a lasting impression.
Song Menu to Feed Your Appetite: The Chase
无高潮 (Nein)
Location: Guangzhou
Key Album: TBA
Having only heard a couple of lo-fi demos from Nein online, this young band from Guangzhou has already captured my attention. Their compositions are bursting with youthful energy, and the vocals are consistently vibrant and engaging. They represent a fresh and exciting voice in the Chinese math rock scene.
Song Menu to Feed Your Appetite: Could Be No
She Never Sings Our Songs
Location: Beijing
Key Album: TBA
She Never Sings Our Songs is another emerging band exploring diverse avenues for emotional expression through their music. A key characteristic of their sound is the dynamic and conversational interplay between the two guitars. They are active within Beijing’s local music scene and were planning to release their debut album in 2017, making them a band to watch.
Song Menu to Feed Your Appetite: 浮 FU
小巫师 Little Wizard
Location: Shaoxing
Key Album: Little Wizard I
Little Wizard‘s music consistently evokes a sense of simple yet ingenious creativity. Their debut album features a rich post-rock atmosphere punctuated by math rock interludes. They are currently recording their second album, which promises to incorporate even more intricate note patterns and rhythmic complexities, further solidifying their math rock identity.
Song Menu to Feed Your Appetite: Accident/a>
Mammals
Location: Beijing
Key Album: Animals That Don’t Lay Eggs, Vol. 1&2
Based in Beijing, Mammals was formed by musicians from various countries. They deliver a unique brand of wild math rock riffs, and their drummer is known for his incredibly impactful and soul-stirring performances. Sadly, due to a member returning to their home country, Mammals has disbanded. However, their members have since formed new projects like Fake Weed and Social Boar, ensuring their musical legacy continues.
Song Menu to Feed Your Appetite: Dolphin/a>
EXPLORING MATH ROCK BEYOND CHINA’S BORDERS: NEIGHBORING BANDS
Emptybottles
Location: Hong Kong
Key Album: Un/titled
Emptybottles’ guitar work is a major highlight, often drawing comparisons to American Football. They recently toured China with Touming Magazine, gaining significant attention from audiences. Their sound is characterized by clean, shimmering guitar tones and intricate math rock arrangements.
Song Menu to Feed Your Appetite: Real
tfvsjs
Location: Hong Kong
Key Album: 在Zoi, Equal Unequals to Equal
I have a particular fondness for tfvsjs. Having seen them live three times, I am consistently moved by their performances. The two drummers play with incredible synergy, and every instrument blends together flawlessly. Each listening experience reveals new nuances, making them a band that rewards repeated engagement.
Song Menu to Feed Your Appetite: Shrine Of Our Despair/a>
话梅鹿 (Prune Deer)
Location: Hong Kong
Key Album: Solid Transparency
Following the departure of their vocalist, the young members of Prune Deer decided to continue as an instrumental band. Their music combines popular J-style influences with Hong Kong-style melodies, creating a distinctive and engaging instrumental math rock sound.
Song Menu to Feed Your Appetite: Heat Death
鸡蛋蒸肉饼 (GDJYB)
Location: Hong Kong
Key Album: 23:59 Before Tomorrow, GDJYB
This all-female band recently released their second album, featuring even more diverse compositions. Their signature style, which they playfully call ‘math folk,’ is characterized by dazzling guitar lines and dramatic vocals, creating a truly unique and memorable sound within the math rock genre.
Song Menu to Feed Your Appetite: Durian What What What
大象体操 (Elephant Gym)
Location: Kaohsiung-Taiwan
Key Album: Work, Balance, Angle
Elephant Gym’s music exudes a joyful and vibrant atmosphere, which has contributed to their widespread popularity across Asia. As they’ve matured, the growing influence of jazz and funk has become increasingly apparent, especially in their latest EP. They are truly an essential Taiwanese math rock band.
Song Menu to Feed Your Appetite: Games
Want to hear more? Dive into our Chinese Math Rock Youtube playlist and discover even more gems from this exciting scene. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel while you’re there!
