Note to readers: While the name of this semi-regular column denotes next day concert reviews, this installment is a bit late.

On Tuesday, October 4th, after a full day of performances by, The Whip (UK), Fuzzy Mood, The Ocean (DE), Wanderlust, and some 19 other bands, artists and DJs at the 2011 Changjiang Strawberry Festival, legendary Beijing synth-punk outfit New Pants took the festival's Strawberry Stage, and delivered what may go down as one of their most uninspired performances to date.

Fresh of their recent US tour, with dates in New York City and at Coachella, New Pants played through a sluggish hour-long set, and were seemingly stuck in the mud pit at the front of the stage, possibly unimpressed by the massive crowd migration out of the festival gates following a set by Singaporean pop star 蔡健雅.

Sticking to their newer, more synth-based material, from 2006’s Dragon Tiger Panacea onward, New Pants vaguely resembled the same quartet that tore through Mao Livehouse in July 2010. Songs like “Bye Bye Disco” and “御宅”failed to move the crowd, and even fan favorite “爱瑞巴迪,” a surefire hit that generally receives loud ovations, was lackluster.

While New Pants were clearly off their game, day three of the Modern Sky-sponsored Changjiang Strawberry Festival was an enormous success, some 6,000+ (est.) music fans entering the festival grounds to enjoy some of greater China’s top musical talent.

Highlights of the day included a daytime set by dance punks Da Bang, who will play at Yuyintang on Friday, October 14th to release their debut LP Bone Hug, and Love Stage headliners Second Hand Roses, who ripped through an our of their theatrical Dongbei rock.

Watch New Pants perform “爱瑞巴迪” (VPN required for China IP users)

Photo courtesy of Douban user 清新暴力黄瓜君