For those tired of me posting about Underworld, well, it will all be over soon. But outside of a few dickhead neighbors and contemptuous bureaucrats, I find people still care. Lots of folks still come to me with questions. Which makes the truth of what’s happening all the more painful: this has always been an extreme minority of humans dictating the fate of others.
There is a great deal more to say about the whole issue of the current music scene & the powers that be, but I’ve been strongly advised to keep quiet. It is a sick quandary to stay silent, because then the bastards win. But there are very real concerns about not making things worse for certain involved parties, and I’ll defer to that. It would also be a bit premature of me to sound off too loudly while trying to separate facts from rumors. Suffice to say, what I know to be true is disturbing. The bottom line is this: it all ain’t over yet.
It is so disgusting to type these things. It is 2013. Taiwan is an ostensibly democratic island with very warm, intelligent, and open-minded citizens - but why are its residents subjected to the rulings of smug and fearful shitwads? Big questions, but I don’t have the answers.
Perhaps the greatest casualty to all this crap is the cynicism that has taken root. People have quite naturally become disgusted with politics over the years, and to so viciously and deliberately marginalize young people can only have grave consequences for Taiwan later on, as I’ve said before (here and here and elsewhere...). Yes, apathy and bitter disillusionment are great building blocks for a prosperous, successful future. Good job, dear leaders!
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Those of us who do cherish and value the sounds & creations of our peers are getting some awesome parting gifts, however.
This weekend kicks off with the always awesome BHD and the quite attractive Dronetonics, fresh with a new EP, at Underworld on Friday. The bar then hosts a massive 2-day, 12 band bonanza, to be recorded live. Both Saturday and Sunday boast killer line-ups.
In June, Underworld & Predator Production prove their mettle once more, hosting Go Chic and the incredible Japanese noise punks Melt Banana on June 8. Predator brought them to Taipei once before for an insane show at The Wall. I can only imagine how intense it will be at Underworld.
Underworld is also cramming in as many parties and good times as possible before Doomsday (June 15) You can check GigGuide.tw or the UW page for all the info on that. The bar is also is selling T-shirts, bags, and other memorabilia for those who want keepsakes. You can’t put your arms around a memory, but you can put the memory on your back.
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There are more than just Underworld events on the horizon, of course. Also looking really good is a free (!!) festival at National Chengchi University 國立政治大學 on June 2, starring a boatload of stellar acts like Murky Crows, Bowz Tiger, My Skin Against Your Skin, New Sunglasses, and more.
And a few days later, Mum / Wavves / British Sea Power will be in town to rock Legacy on June 11. That’s a sweet triple bill.
Down the line, we’ve got Formoz Fest in August, starring The XX, Deerhoof, The Big Pink, My Little Airport, Puffy, Mercury Rev, Envy, A Place to Bury Strangers and gobs more.
Wowzers. Now that is a real festival (ahem).
