Amidst the row of bars that belt out Mando-pop covers along Houhai, Roots Reggae bar stands out like a Rastafarian at a Beijing opera performance. There, amidst its Bob Marley tribute posters and dreadlocked bartenders, Loulan Hawk (loulan zhiying 楼兰 之鹰) play their unique combination of Uyghur flamenco, their powerful voices sending a beacon of cultural intrigue out beyond the dirge of pop sentimentalism.

Formed several years ago, the trio, whose name refers to the former name of an area within their native Xinjiang, in traditional flamenco style, learned the craft by watching performances on YouTube － see their live performance here. Watching them perform, you'd be forgiven for thinking they've received more professional training: the two guitarists leap between the Spanish guitar's flamboyant rhythms expertly, building regularly into thrilling double-time climaxes alongside their percussionist, playing a Central Asian-style hand drum.

The two main vocalists sing convincingly in Spanish, draping elegant harmonies over one another, all the while effortlessly maintaining the smooth, driving rhythms of the toque. They also pepper their set with Uyghur and English numbers, the latter consisting largely of Marley covers. Suitably enough, they often mix reggae elements into their sound, and are joined occasionally by friends on backing vocals, a nod to the relaxed, informal quality of their sets.

I spoke with Karan, the lead guitarist, about how he became interested in the Andalucian musical tradition. “Actually, there are certain similarities between Spanish and Uyghur folk music”, he explained. “Both musical styles share similar strumming techniques.”

He also added that there is broader interest in flamenco music amongst other Uyghur musicians in Xinjiang. He and his band mates moved from Urumqi to Beijing several years ago for university. While he majored in recording, the other two are currently studying musical education at Beijing’s Central Conservatory of Music.

Loulan Hawk are in the process of recording their first album, and given greater exposure, would fit in comfortably amongst Hanggai, Mamur and other so-called "Chinagrass"groups. Until then, however, spread the word on one of Beijing folk's best-kept secrets and get out to one of their nightly sets soon.

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Related info:

Roots Reggae Bar: Houhai - Guyu Jiuba 谷雨酒吧

Loulan Hawk: website forthcoming, check out videos here and here