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Surf rock band Psyders to enliven scene
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SURF’S up. With the sleepy summer siesta sweeping over Shanghai, the music scene is slowing down to a near-standstill.
Well, have no fear, the Psyders are here. Shanghai’s resident surf rock band will stage a record release tonight at Club 390. Entrance will set you back 50 yuan and includes the band’s new 7” record single and mini-magazine. Opening the show will be the recently reformed all-girl synth-rock group Next Year’s Love.
The roots of the Psyders’ surf rock genre dates to the late 1950s in the US. Bands like Dick Dale and His Del-Tones and the Ventures played off earlier rock guitar heroes like Duane Eddy and Link Wray and mixed it with their US West Coast sensibility. Out came mostly instrumental guitar music that replicated the reverb caused by the crash of a massive wave or the nasty roar of a souped-up car engine.
In 1960, the Ventures released their cover of jazz tune “Walk – Don’t Run, considered the first surf rock hit song. Other popular surf rock songs of the era include Dick Dale’s version of “Miserlou,” “Pipeline” by the Chantays, and “Wipe Out” by the Surfaris. While the song titles might not be familiar, many listeners might be surprised that they recognize these tunes from commercials and movies.
The Psyders are led by guitarist Misuzu, a Shanghai music institution who has influenced local (and expat) guitarists for years. He also plays guitar in the long-running indie rock band Banana Monkey, who next month will set out on a tour of Japan.
The root of the Psyders’ sound in Shanghai though comes from Misuzu’s old band, the Beat Bandits. The group, which broke up in 2012, also featured Misuzu and wife, Rina, on keyboards. The band proved popular in the city and satisfied the need for good old-fashioned rock ’n’ roll.
With this record release, the Psyders show themselves as rightful heirs to that legacy. To further cement that status, the band’s release is a split with legendary Canadian punk pioneers DOA. The group, which swooped through Shanghai a few months ago thanks to Legal Gray touring, will release its song “He’s Got a Gun.”
DOA, allegedly on its farewell tour (not the first), has been known throughout its 30-odd years to support local music communities, and the pairing with the Psyders will certainly give the newer band a boost.
Along with the record, a mini-magazine will be included featuring interviews with both bands. It might make for some good reading while recovering in the shade.
Date: July 11, 10pm
Address: 390 Panyu Rd
Admission: 50 yuan
(Brian Offenther is a Shanghai-based DJ/freelancer.)
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