Dr Reniculous Lipz and the Skallyunz 白悟空
Sunday at 11pm, Blue Stage
Scat-laced rap tumbling from the run-on mouth of Dr Lipz combines with funky beats from the rhythm section, with Greggo Russell from Collider drumming for the Skallyunz and Spring Scream cofounder Wade Davis on guitar in his third band of the night. Add in a second guitar, bass, sax, a hype man, and DJ Subtle’s scratching and you don’t even need the kitchen sink.
www.indievox.com/drlipz
— Alita Rickards
Squids
Tonight at 10pm, Red Stage
Squids from Kaohsiung will be ripping up the Red Stage with groovy, hip-shaking, head-nodding electro-rock-funk tunes. Samples, loops, and synths are added to live bass, guitar and drums. The heavy use of effects, grinding beats, and sexy vocals with audible lyrics make for a dancefest of live electro. If you miss them tonight, catch them in Taipei at Revolver on April 8.
www.indievox.com/squidboy
— Alita Rickards
The Hsu-nami
Tomorrow at 10pm, Purple Stage
This New Jersey-based post rock group is fronted by an erhu (二胡)-wielding Taiwanese American, Jack Hsu (許正杰), who is fulfilling a lifelong dream by bringing his internationally renowned band, The Hsu-nami, to Taiwan for its first tour here. The band’s song Rising of the Sun was used as the entrance theme for the Chinese basketball team at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, bringing the group into the spotlight. The erhu, a traditional instrument, is used to fill the role of vocals in the group’s heavy, funky music, made more hard-core with metal drumming and energetic stage antics. The band’s tour continues with shows in Kaohsiung, Taichung and Taipei from April 6 through April 9. See the full story and interview with the band in the Taipei Times on April 8.
www.indievox.com/hsunami
— Alita Rickards
Kou Chou Ching 拷秋勤
Sunday at 6pm, Purple Stage
Kou Chou Ching brings on Taiwan-style hip-hop, with DJ J-Chen scratching Hoklo, Hakka and Mandarin tracks, while traditional instruments like the suona (嗩吶) and the addition of mountain songs (山歌), folk songs, and Hakka bayin (客家八音) keep it authentic. Top that off with meaningful lyrics in the oral storytelling tradition and heavy hip-hop beats for a unique hot pot of sounds and visions.
www.indievox.com/kou
— Alita Rickards
High Tide
Sunday at 6pm, Green Stage
Taipei’s beloved High Tide plays reggae, ska and live dub, with Benjamin Cunningham and Moshe Foster on vocals and guitars. Foster’s socially conscious lyrics give the songs some thoughtfulness, while the beats laid out by Greggo Russell on drums get things shaking. Mix in smooth, funky bass by Mike Tennant and a horn section with Andy Francis on trombone and Wesley James on trumpet and you’re set to rock steady as the night begins.
www.indievox.com/hightide
— Alita Rickards
Full House
Tonight at 9pm, White Stage
Get your rockabilly on with this trio from Tainan. Like a lot of similar revival bands, Full House melds the 1950s and 1980s with Elvis-era rock ’n’ roll grooves played at a punk pace. The band often attracts attention for its double bassist, Kyohei Takahashi, who sports a pompadour and often engages in rock ’n’ roll theatrics on the stage.
www.indievox.com/fullhouse
— David Chen
SA (Samurai Attack)
Sunday at 9pm, Yellow Stage
Samurai Attack, a Japanese band that dates back to the 1980s, has a sound that is sometimes described as “Oi! Punk.” The band is tight, melodically inventive, and bursting with in-your-face energy. Don’t be surprised to find yourself bouncing around the moshpit when the band starts to play, or at least pumping your fist in the air.
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