Yin (音, “music”) is a weekly RADII column that looks at Chinese songs spanning hip hop to folk to modern experimental, and everything in between. Drop us a line if you have a suggestion.
Well, I think we could all use a little break now. Things are getting hectic. Luckily Taipei indie rock royalty Sunset Rollercoaster are here with precisely the escapist retro beach bum vibes we need right now. Here’s the brand-new video for one of their older and more popular tunes, “My Jinji”:
Though from Taipei, and beloved there, Sunset Rollercoaster also boasts a huge mainland Chinese following. In late 2019 they co-headlined a major gig at Beijing’s Workers’ Stadium, and have been known to sell out entire mainland tours online within seconds. Floating in parallel to the band’s self-described “cute prog” sound, a big part of their allure comes from the quixotic, semi-surrealist, offbeat poetic lyricism of lead singer and guitarist Kuo Hung Tseng, who has this to say about the “My Jinji” video:
Kuo has also put together a “Subtropical Lovers” Spotify playlist featuring get-you-in-the-mood tunes from his own band, Marvin Gaye, Kate Bush, Sade, Faye Wong, and Mandopop icon Richie Jen.
If you’re looking to extend the V-day feelings — or escape a bit deeper into this particular niche of gauzy indie rock and/or retro visual oversaturation — please check out Sunset Rollercoaster’s smooth as silk 2019 EP VANILLA VILLA:
Then cap all that off with “Airplane Mode,” an equally kitschy sendup of ’80s Hong Kong cinema directed by Taipei artist Teom Chen for jazzy neo-soul singer 9m88. Check back on RADII later this month for a Club Seen feature with Teom.
You might also like:
#New Music
Summer is just about here (for the Northern Hemisphere, anyway), and to celebrate, we’ve rounded up 10 new Chinese music releases for your patio party Read More
#Best New Music
From Shi Xinwenyue to Hualun, these 10 new Chinese music releases are here to help you power through the unpredictable spring weather Read More
#Best New Music
If you find yourself in the northern hemisphere this time of year, the weather could be fierce. To help lift your spirit and warm your soul, we’ve rounded up a rad selection of new music releases from China! Read More