Episode 36 of the Yuyintang Channel series continues to spotlight emerging (or unsung) bands over at their Basement space - and it's got an eclectic spread of rock, synth punk, and more, including Guji - a spirited glitter bomb of synth punk and new wave that’s playful, sardonic, and sharp as a knife. Meanwhile, Foolish Hill from Nanjing brings their chaotic brand of indie rock,  blending grunge, post-rock, shoegaze, and jazz into something fresh. Finally, KAKERA sings out the most direct cries of the contemporary era with pop-punk. Rock it.

New Zealand indie rock band The Beths, known for impulsive, hook-filled indie rock inspired in part by the punk-pop of their youth, look to make some beautiful noise at VAS this Friday. Pairing bright guitars, fast drums and crunchy melodies and an irresistible rhythm section with razor-sharp lyricism about anxiety, self-doubt, relationships and the less-than-perfect parts of growing up, the Auckland-raised band, led by singer and guitarist Elizabeth Stokes, has become a juggernaut in the indie world. The band has performed at festivals including Coachella, Primavera Sound, Newport Folk Festival and Bonnaroo, supporting acts like Pixies, The Breeders, and Death Cab for Cutie. Expect a rousing performance. Support from Shanghai’s own rising indie pop sensations Puppy’s Bone.

A Chinese post-rock fan’s dream lineup - SPEAK UP! features some of the best in the post-rock scene - bands that have put in the work, slowly building their fanbase and expanding their sound. Sparrow bring a sly, modest touch to their sound, one that unfurls at its own pace and is imbued with a texture that is at once delicate and brimming with vitality. Shanghai Qiutian bring their bubbling-over energy; their bleeding-heart lyricism (which rotates through several different languages); and their high-wire musicality. Likewise, there’s a defiant nature to Summer Fades Away’s soaring sound that’s both taut and intimate - sincere, seasoned instrumental rock chock full of epic, atmospheric arrangements. Rounding out the bill are Zaoxi - whose cinematic soundscapes are full of indietronica buzz and neo-classical resonance - and Hangzhou’s Reclock, who have been amassing fans left and right for their tender, evocative post-rock vignettes. Post rock going strong.

Los Angeles thrash metal veterans Evildead - known for their unrelenting, lean, and assured vintage West Coast thrash make their way to China this week. Formed in the late 1980s, the band has been to hell and back over the years - always reassuring audiences with their hard-hitting sound - packed with speed, aggression, and crossover energy. For their Shanghai stop, they’ll be joined by the Wuhan thrash metal band Choleraic. Mosh pit safe haven.

Esteemed guzheng player and composer Yu Miao has been a staple of the classical and avant-garde scene for years. Known for her delicately assembled and lushly atmospheric arrangements, her music operates at that sublime intersection between electronica, contemporary classical music, and traditional Chinese music without ever coming off as gimmickry. Never bogged down in its details or ornamentation, Yu Miao composes some truly haunting compositions here - rich in their narrative and emotional pull whilst breathing new life into the ancient instrument. This Friday, she gives a showcase in the lush surroundings of KeepItQuiet - with special guest cellist TIAN.

The machine may keep on churning but rock and roll continues to rally and rise its arms against the tyrannies - both big and small - of daily life. A lost cause, perhaps - but a waltz we’ll continue to dance till this planet’s last breath. So rise up! Blades of glory! As LiveChinaMusic brings together three of the most rapturous, most earth-shattering indie acts this side of the world. You’ve got Wuhan’s The Hospital, who traverse across various musical landscapes with conviction and a hefty foundation of 80s art rock, 90s alt rock, and psychedelic pop. Hangzhou’s whetherday, with their flavorsome reverb-bleeding collage of neo-psychedelic, shoegaze, Britpop, and noise pop. Finally, Shanghai’s handycam has become one of the scene’s hottest new acts - art rock equal parts abrasive and beguiling - injected with experimental alt rock grit, jazzy prog rock finesse, and avant-pop charisma.

Esteemed Taiwanese folk musician Gou Mao - who blew to fame in the 1990s before migrating to Beijing in the early 2000s, becoming a figure among heavyweight hitters like Miserable Faith, Muma, and Tongue- brings his raw, spirited, and fiercely honest catalogue to Future Hall. Though acoustic guitar is often his weapon of choice, there’s always been a punk rock vitality to the singer - whose lyrics are known for being cynical, rebellious, and deeply observant. Expect a folk show with a bit more punch than usual.