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The frigid tundra of Northeastern China seems an unlikely place for a swampy punk band, yet the UK ex-pat led GuiGuiSuiSui & The Electric Shadows are just that. On their second release, they show that twisted twang and rabid rage are universal.
“Nineteen Blow Zero” kicks things off with some rollicking rock’n‘roll that sounds like The Count Five dropped some brown acid and became possessed by imaginary demons. Trebly guitar morphs into slide guitar to the loose, but insistent, rhythm section. A haunting harmonica wafts throughout, punctuating GuiGuiSuiSui’s raspy vocals. It’s a barn-burner for sure, one made out of the necessity to keep warm in the frozen air. The following two songs change direction for some Killed By Death-style punk rock. “Black Cat” exudes the frustrations of local life in Changchun, while “Undead Blind Date” discusses what happens when the local slut is a zombie.
There’s a certain quality to these songs that is reminiscent of Australia’s UV Race, where musical excitement replaces perfection to create some of the most fun punk rock east of the Gobi Desert. Like Italy, China is turning out some unique bands deserving of our attention here in The West, so join Gui Gui Sui Sui & The Electric Shadows for a drink in the local bar. Just watch out for zombies, rats and that unapologetic cold.
