[CD REVIEW] 吹波糖 (Chui Ball Tong) – 青春殘酷物語 (2008)

Named after the blowable cousin of the chewing gum –– Guangzhou indie kids 吹波糖 (Chui Ball Tong) finally land their first full album with progressive Hong Kong based record label 鑿開唱片 (Chisel My Records).  After what has been playing together for almost 10 years, this release from this post hardcore unit comes up being worth the wait…well almost.

On 青春殘酷物語 (Cruel Story of Youth), the band chooses to play it safe by handling their strong post hardcore sound gently by incorporating disposable elements of standard Hong Kong Karaoke pop ballads, such as conventional melodic music structures, predictable arrangements and vocal emphasis.  This lends to an album that feels like a mixed bag –– the creative guitar lines, and occasionally intense double bass drumming is offset by unimaginative melodies and pop song conventions.  To say that this is all negative, however misses the point.  This juxtaposition of these two unfamiliar genres actually equates to some interesting results, and is demonstrated no better than the second track “秋語” (“Spring Words”).

This song opens with a descending arpeggio, and blows into the dramatic chorus quickly.  With Interesting double kick work and intense guitar lines that resemble the best of post hardcore music, lays the groundwork for a sweeping chorus melody that is clearly pop inspired.  Yet, what is probably most unfortunate is that most tracks do not work as well, and do not particularly benefit from this style mixture –– for example. “蜜語” (“Sweet Verses”) is a bit too sugar coated and “愛麗斯夢遊” (“Alice in Wonderland”) may be too epic for its own good.

Certainly one quality the band cannot be blamed for is laziness, as their efforts to blend the two distinct styles shines.  But the greater question is whether all this hard work comes for a lost cause?

愛麗斯夢遊 | 吹波糖

Recommended tracks: 02-04

Track Listing:
01. 七色橋
02. 秋語
03. 陽光燦爛的日子
04. 艷羨
05. 愛麗斯夢遊
06. 蜜語
07. 美麗結局
08. Peace of Silent
09. 理想都市
10. 手語

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lojun

I like to spend my time on the internet searching for the meaning of life. When I am not doing this you can find me listening to music or playing the bass…or stuffing myself silly on Burritos.

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