VA-An Anthology of Chinese Experimental Music review by Jody McKane

Hot damn! A sprawling four CD collection of experimental music from China may seem a bit overwhelming and in some respects, it is. With the exception of Torturing Nurse (who I'm only familiar with because my friends did a split CD with them) I am unfamiliar with every artist on this compilation. That's a lot of names to keep track of and further delve into. The liner notes do a great job of offering brief bios, gear lists and instruments used, personel and short statements made by the artists regarding intent or or musical statement. A good jump off point if you wish to pursue the artists further. If you have an interest in discovering the non academic side of China's experimental community, say hello to 49 exceptional artists! If you don't feel the need to dig that deep, this album is perfect for an overall primer. After all, China is fucking huge and not nearly as regarded in experimental music as Japan, who has given the world such name recognizable exports as Merzbow and Massona. I was recommended this collection from a good friend who had sold me on it because of how eclectic the different acts were. After listening to disc one, it seemed a bit laptop dominant but as the hours passed, I could hear the diversity. In addition to the laptop workouts, which range from minimal digital soundscapes to terrorizing glitch and harsh noise, you will find delightful electro-acoustic tapestries, old school tape noise, borderline industrial and some very tasty audio collage work. A personal favorite is Tats Lau on disc 3, a short but adventurous jaunt through pre recorded voice, fairly untreated drum machines playing what sounds like a pre-programmed reggae patch and a whirlpool of strings and electronics. One of the more prolific figures represented in the set seems to be Li Chin Sung, who also performs under the moniker of Dickson Dee, DJ Dee and PNF (this project also has a track on the compilation). The Li Chin Sung track kicks off the first disc with a dark ambient workout colored by high end digital signals. Creepy stuff. Liner notes reveal that he has collaborated with the likes of Otomo Yoshide and Keiji Haino, as well as having released a disc in the states on Tzadik.
It's difficult to go into too many specifics here. At the end of the week I'd spent listening to this, one disc at a time, it ultimately serves as a giant snapshot of a musical community in a giant country. Each song is unique as well as being part of a whole body of work that is vast, beautiful and ugly. I am impressed, enlightened and entertained by this collection and it will be revisited in the future with much enjoyment.

RATING: 7/10

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