Generation X (the sequal)

From the age of thirteen I have lived with the belief that I was born ten years too late. My favourite films (such as Back to the Future and Ferris Buellers Day Off ) came out around the time of my birth and by the time I was old enough to realise the wonders of grunge Kurt Cobain had been dead for five years. From fashion to film makers everything I love started in 1985 and ended in about 1997, just in time for me to miss out the first time round!

So thank god then for TRIPWIRES, a band who encapsulate the brilliance of 90’s alt rock right here in the modern day.

Having grown up listening the likes of Sonic Youth and Slowdive, Tripwires create the most wonderful shoe gaze anthems. Soaring guitar lines and perfectly delivered vocals allow the band to combine emotional delicacy with swelling walls of sound, creating music which is as lush as it is powerful.

But despite Tripwires obvious 90’s influence they still manage never to sound contrived or dated, mainly because they aren’t. Instead what we hear is timeless music played with talent, conviction and most importantly lack of self awareness.

And so I wish them the greatest success. Lets bring back the early 90’s, not just so I can experience it but because I think the world would be a much better place with a little less Lady Gaga and a bit more of this.

LISTEN HERE-------> Shimmer by TRIPWIRES

STEVEN JARVIS,




A special mention goes to Steven Jarvis this month for creating some rather lovely graphic art.

Taking inspiration from his many travels Steven weaves culture and personal experience into his beautiful prints allowing us to view not only his creative imagination but also the world around us.

In China there's no finer...

Good morning, good day, good afternoon, good evening, whoever, wherever and whatever time you are reading this welcome to the first instalment of NIUBI; a blog aimed at bringing together all that is good in popular culture.

For those unfamiliar with the term niubi, here is a short explanation…

Niubi is a popular Chinese slang word (literally meaning cows pussy) which is used in everyday situations to imply that something is ‘badass’.

And so what better way to start than to dedicate this first feature to some rather badass Chinese bands.




The marvellously titled Carsick Cars produce such perfectly formed avant-garde grunge music you will wonder why they are not already your favourite band. Formed in 2005 this three piece (consisting of two boys and one girl) have already encountered a large amount of success , both locally and internationally, and it is easy to see why . Lush guitars oozing of 90’s charm give way to beautifully written songs as soothing as they are spiky. Having supported Sonic Youth on the European leg of their tour, one can’t help but see the similarities. Sound innovation is the name of the game here and there is no doubt that Carsick Cars are all the better for it.

Queen Sea Big Shark are a juggernaut of explosive surf pop hailing from Beijing.
Led by kamikaze front woman Fu Han, who packs enough charisma and style to beat off any male competition, this effortlessly cool yet wickedly fun five piece will no doubt be making waves around the world very soon.
Know for their infectious pop hooks and riotous live shows QSBS have cemented themselves as one of the most celebrated acts in Chinas new alternative music scene. Signed to the pioneering music label Modern Sky QSBS released their self titled debut album just over two years ago. In that time the bands profile appears to have gone from strength to strength as more and more of Chinas alternative youth gather to support this underground music revolution.

And it doesn’t stop there. The towns and cities of China are alive with truly exciting alternative musical talent.
It is refreshing to see these uncompromisingly brilliant acts create a musical insurgence in such a completely organic fashion. Without NME cool ratings or big budget promotional packages. The music, the sentiment, the fans and the passion are what is most important here and nowadays that does seem like a magical thing.

P.S

Don't forget to check out......

P.K.14
Rebuilding the Rights of Statues (re-TROS)
Self Party