Outtakes
Let's hear it for the bad boys
The shows haven't always been packed, but the Beijing Explosion series of gigs have been an unqualified success in terms of introducing local audiences to awesome outfits from the capital.
In the past we've been treated to the likes of New Pants, Banana Monkey and Carsick Cars, and coming up next in the series is Joyside, a bunch of scuzzy garage rockers who tore through Europe last year playing a string of more than 50 gigs.
The self-proclaimed 'best punk band in Beijing', Joyside (below) borrow equally from classic punk acts the New York Dolls, Sex Pistols, the Dead Boys and the Stooges, and have now released three albums - Drunk is Beautiful (2004), Bitches of Rock'n'Roll (2006 ) and Booze at Neptune's Dawn from last year.
Singer Bian Yuan moved from his native Xinjiang to form the band in Beijing in 2001, and since then they've built a devoted following - as well as a reputation for being hard-drinking bad boys.
They're now touring to promote an EP expected to come out at the end of the year, and sound like they're well worth catching this Saturday night at the Fringe Club. The gig starts at 10.30pm, and advance tickets are HK$160 or HK$180 at the door.
Beats working
The Yamaha Asian Beat Band Competition, organised by Tom Lee Music, has for years served as a springboard to recognition for local bands, and entries to this year's event are now being accepted.
On offer are not only Yamaha gift certificates worth thousands of dollars, but also the chance to represent the city in the Asian Beat 2008-09 grand final to be held in Hong Kong next February, when the winner will compete against the best amateur bands in Asia.
To download the entry form, visit the Tom Lee Music website at tomleemusic.com or call 2737 7603 for inquiries. The deadline for entries is October 28.
Get thrashed
Coinciding with the arrival of a slight chill in the air is a slew of extreme heavy metal gigs in the next few weeks.
One of the best will feature Australian thrash act Truth Corroded and Singaporean melodic death metal band Bhelliom on October 25 at the Hang-Out Youth Outreach Centre, 2 Holy Cross Path, Sai Wan Ho.
Truth Corroded will be making their first appearance in Asia and in the past have supported big name acts on their home turf, including Sepultura and Sick of it All, while Bhelliom have been regular visitors to Taiwan's Spring Scream and Formoz festivals.
Advance tickets from Zoo Records, White Noise Records and Metal Warehouse are HK$100, and entry at the door is HK$150.
