If you’re like me, you have caught Brazilian fever. I’m not talking about that riveting sport that often ends with a 0–0 score. I’m talking about Brazil’s best and hardest core export in the form of metal outfit Sepultura coming to Shanghai on July 20th. That’s right, after 30 years of existence the thrash pioneers are finally coming to China to unleash their brand of Brazilian death. While that concert is a couple weeks away, today I’m going to highlight local surf rock band The Psyders, who are releasing their first vinyl record this Friday. The 50rmb show entry includes a free copy of the record. Yes those bulky plastic analog discs seem to be the future of physical music and the releases keep flowing in. Here are a few of the Chinese bands that have put out records so far this year. All of the music shared today is from Genjing Records out of Beijing who started this whole craze a few years ago as one of the first labels to release vinyl from Chinese artists. Since then the indie label Maybe Mars has put out a couple, Shanghai electronic label SVBKVLT has a 10” out, and several bands have self-released their music on wax as well. If you aren’t an avid record collector but still love music these Chinese releases make good souvenirs of that China experience (along with that strange itchy feeling down there). Records can increase in value depending on rarity and demand and that AM444 12” might be worth thousands some day (but most likely not). You can order any of these records directly from GenjingRecords.com or pick them up at your local record store Uptown, which is sometimes open daily 2pm to 9pm. Now, let’s check out that fresh wax! The Psyders/DOA Split Format: 7” Blood Red Vinyl The Psyders formed toward the end of last year, giving us hope that new Shanghai bands will keep emerging and winning City Weekend awards. The lineup includes seasoned Shanghai musicians Misuzu, Shin Sang, Rina, and Momo. You might know Misuzu from his other band Banana Monkey or past projects like The Beat Bandits and The Instigation, just to name a couple. With mostly instrumental tracks, the band combines classic surf rock and a harder hitting garage rock sound. The Psyders don’t have a Bandcamp page yet so I’m going to share the YouTube version of the DOA song featured on the blood red Genjing 7”. DOA - "He's Got A Gun" This release is a new project from Genjing and independent record stores across China called "Jiao Ji", which is a record with magazine as the sleeve. Basically there is an interview with each band, a couple DIY articles, and info on the small amount of emerging record stores across China. This release is also a split with Canadian hardcore punk legends DOA, who recently visited Shanghai on their farewell tour. Since DOA has disbanded it looks this will be one of their final physical releases. Get your copy free with entry at this Friday’s show, which also has all girl Shanghainese band Next Years Love opening up. Tom & Kate – You Don’t Love Me Format: 7” Purple Vinyl Another vinyl record that recently dropped is by Shanghai’s own Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. Fronted by the beautiful Cee Q this band just finished playing dates around China. Why are they called Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes? I can only guess it’s either a deep dig into how pop media affects society or just a fun Google search. Recorded and mastered at the Studio Poney, the b-side features a remix from Acid Pony Club member Laura Ingalls. While the main title track is pretty sweet going the Laura Ingalls side will have you running for the hills. Cee Q is a deeply introspective and talented singer so look out for more of her work around Shanghai. For now go pickup your purple copy of that Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes! Tom & Kate - "You Don't Love Me" The Fallacy – Painkiller Format: 7” Black Vinyl Xinxiang punk outfit The Fallacy also spewed out a record last month. They will change everything you think about the Chinese hard rock scene, with their well-articulated sound and echoes of post punk bands like Gang of Four. The record was recorded by P.K. 14 front man Yang Haisong and mastered in the US. Yang Haisong has become increasingly known as China’s lead rock recording engineer and that really shows in this record's quality. The band features Wang Xubo on vocals/guitar plus the equally hardcore hipsters Zhang Nan on bass and Da Li on drums. The 7” record also features custom paintings by Xu Jiacun which adds a nice touch. Hopefully Shanghai will get a visit from the Fallacy boys sooner than later. The Fallacy – "Painkiller" Street Kills Strange Animals – Through Format: 7” White Vinyl One of the most buzzworthy bands of the past couple years is the indie rock heavy hitters Street Kills Strange Animals (SKSA). Formed in 2008, the band earned their chops with tours that sometimes included 19 shows in a row. Signed to Modern Sky records SKSA remains fiercely independent and chose Genjing Records for their vinyl debut. The Beijing-based band includes Lang Mei on Vocals/Guitar, Yang Dan on Bass/Keyboard, and Qu Dawei on Drums. Their live shows are rock solid. While their name may be stranger than Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes I bet that some of SKSA’s best work is yet to come. Here is the b-side track titled "The Bridge" from their latest vinyl release. SKSA - "The Bridge" Dear Eloise/Underground Lovers Split Format: 7” Clear Vinyl The last record in my round-up is from none other than Yang Haisong himself with his side band Dear Eloise. The band is a very intimate project that he does with his wife. They are famous for almost never performing live, creating a mystery about the personal nature of their music. This is actually the 5th vinyl release from Dear Eloise, and Yang Haisong’s other bands P.K.14 and After Argument both have 12” full length albums out. This specific piece of clear vinyl gold is a split with iconic Australian indie rockers Underground Lovers who recently released a full length after a 15 year hiatus. There are only a few copies of this record left in China so get yours now before it’s too late. Dear Eloise - "Man Without a Name" Well there ya go Shanghai. Pick up all of these highly collectible Chinese records, throw them in a box titled "stuff to take back home", and in ten years pull it out and say “oh yeah, I remember that”. ***