Since December, when Acupuncture Records launched its Gongti nightspot The House, the city’s serious clubbers have been marching to the label’s four-on-the-floor beats. This month, the label’s marquee producer, Elvis.T, serves up his sophomore album, Pathway. It’s one of the most polished pieces of electronica ever to come out of China.

“Pathway is a more complete and mature work than Nil,” says Elvis of his new release, the product of 18 months’ toil. “I listened to every track one time after another to revise little parts. I must have listened to this album hundreds of times.”

The record is a testament to the progress being made by Acupuncture, but it also raises the question: why are there so few electronic music producers in Beijing?

“It takes so much time to produce music, and most of the artists I know here have other jobs,” explains Elvis. “I’m a full-time artist, and I admire the people who fight both fights at the same time. Being a producer is much more difficult than being a DJ. You need the patience to study the technique, and the sensations to inject into the creative work. Staying rational and emotional at the same time isn’t easy.”

Listening to Pathway, it’s clear that Elvis has hit his stride. The record is unified by a bold, busy feeling that is never overworked. While not as dance floor-oriented as his first album, Pathway is complex yet eminently listenable throughout. Highlights include Elvis’ ode to his homeland, “Formosa Love,” and the filtered hiss-beats of “Intro 2010.”

Not only a hit with the masses, Pathway has won the approval of Elvis’ peers. “It has a strong feeling of coolness,” says Eddie Lv, one of Beijing’s best-known DJs. “It isn’t DJ-focused … Elvis goes straight into the music without long intros, so it’s easier to listen to and could attract new people to this music.”

If Beijing techno-heads need that extra push to start producing their own beats, they need only take a look at Elvis as he drops his own tunes at The House.

DETAILS

What: Elvis.T and Beijing Underground Union

Where: The House

When: Saturday, March 26, 10pm

Tel: 6552-6661

Cover Charge: Free