Concert Review of 2004.05.29 (Beijing, Old Get Lucky Bar)
From Rock in China Wiki
Concert Review of 2004.05.29 (Beijing, Old Get Lucky Bar)
General information
Location: Old Get Lucky Bar, Beijing
Date: 29th May 2004
Price: 30 RMB
YangJing Beer: 5 RMB
Review by: Azchael
Bands (excerpt): Ritual Day, CMCB, Twisted Machine, Hollow, Recycle, 1979, others
Review
Arriving at the concert a little late I missed the first band and could only enjoy Twisted Machines last song. As usual they rocked and I'm once more convinced - even I only saw one song - that this New Metal band / Rap Core / New Trash is definitely worth to be seen and listend to.
On Saturday's night an estimated 100 people showed up and filled the interior of the Old Get Lucky Bar. Due to the fact that only a few bands were metal (Ritual Day, Hollow...) not too many metalheads showed up, but also quite a lot punks and other people interested in the fine arts of electrical disturbed music.
Hollow began their gig with an encouraging "Welcome to Saturday Night" and started with their first song "Hollow" that has envolved to a trademark of its own. Being the opener of the show it already motivated the first row to start their headbanging attack. Moving on to the next two songs, Brian and Florian showed that they've learned something since their last shows: Stage Acting! Not only standing at one location and moving their head but really coming forward and playing for the audience not in front of.
Unfortunately was the security not one to recommend: One poor guy was thrown to stage several times and the security guys were quite furious about this and started to kick him. This merged into a small fight in which this man was carried out and... well, just say that these security guys need some more training to be allowed to work on bigger concerts.
Coming back to the concert Hollow played one of there more-punk-style songs: "Laid". The lyrics directly address all of those who like to have sex. "I just wanna get laid tonight, I don't wanna spent the day with you!" Great music, great moshpit in the back.
The next two songs presented a real surprise: Suddenly the guy banging next to me stand up and went on the stage, was introduced to be the new vocalist and the audience was asked to judge him whether he's good enough in screaming (something Brian definitely cannot do). They started and the new guy (name included later) showed his true strength: Dark and gruesome...
Hollow finished their set with "Dark Metal" a song played already at the Nameless Highland, but this time it could grow to its full potential having a vocalist sing the lyrics! Hollow went off the stage with full applause by the audience.
Having left the bar due to several talks I missed the shows of 1979 and others, but went in to listen to CMCB's cover of Nirvana's "Smells like teen spirit". Everytime a good jump and pogo song! even if you don't like Crossover / HipHop style music, try to listen to this song to get a feeling of CMCB's music and rhythm.
Shortly after midnight Ritual Day went on the stage and started their Gig with a neckbreaker. The crowd was enthusiastic and reacted wildly to those songs. This time an astonishing high amount of foreigners joined the usual Chinese fans and celebrated these fine artists and their good music. Songs were mixed from their first CD "Sky Lake" and their second "Frostmoon Eclipse" which was released very recently.
One of the best moments of every Ritual Day show and a highlight for me is the encore in which Ritual Day is covering a Slayer song. The energy and devotion this band is putting into one of the best 'classics' of trash metal jumps over to all of the fans and from the first nearly everybody is banging their head.
Some of my friends, the bandmembers of Hollow, were especially happy to be able to see China's Extreme Music Number One band Ritual Day live on stage. They reacted wild and euphoric and when Ritual Day transformed Slayer's "Reign in Blood" into a powerful neckbreaker it was clear that Ritual Day convinced them as they had convinced me: Ritual Day is great.
As usual is there a small problem to enjoy other bands after Ritual Day so those who liked metal went outside to get bit of a rest and enjoy the evening with a little beer. For our all surprise was the normal draft beer not available... but no problem as Yangjing beer for 5 RMB a bottle was served cold and fast!
The rest of the night I spent talking to members of CMCB and Twisted Machine to get some news about their ongoing new CDs. I'm especially looking forward to Twisted Machine's third CD. If it kicks ass as the others then it's on my must-buy-list!
Summarizing the evening, the night and the concert I have say that it was a concert worth to visit. A good mix through different music styles, cheap but good beer, nice pals hanging around, some pissed off security guys (that's rock'n'roll!!!) and neck hurting the next two days.
