Shanghai's indie darlings Boys Climbing Ropes release their EP
Imagine that Shanghai is a revolving door: a neverending cycle of people flowing in and out and constant construction of aesthetically-pleasing skyscrapers that, ultimately, are torn down to make room for bigger and better towers. Now, imagine that amid the debris of development, art has found a way to firmly plant its roots in a city looking to be the most modern megalopolis since Gotham City.

This may be a slight exaggeration, but, when local indie rockers Boys Climbing Ropes (BCR) release their debut EP A Pleasure to be Here on May 9, they will cement themselves as one of the few local bands to capture the organic melodies and rhythms of life in a synthetic city. "I think we're part of something larger that's growing," states BCR bassist Morgan Short, "something sort of inevitable." While the EP documents the struggle and success of importing and exporting life and culture and continuous change, it simultaneously showcases BCR's evolution from pub crooners to club favorites. "BCR has barely scratched the surface of the possibilities for bringing in more powerful and bizarre electronic elements in our music," comments singer / guitarist Jordan Small who, along with fellow Canadian imports Short and Devin Gallery (drums), founded BCR in late 2006.

While the inclusion of a korgan (the mini-Korg synthesizer that is ever-present in the mix of the EP) and heavy bass distortion has noticeably improved the sonic diversity of songs like "Calculate," "Dirty Bots," and the title track, the addition of Chinese frontwoman Xiao Pengke, aka Little Punk, in July 2007 is truly the catalyst that has driven BCR to the forefront of the Shanghai music scene. "Her voice has got an incredible attractiveness and depth of character and emotion that few possess," states local record producer Albert Yu, who helmed the dials for A Pleasure to be Here. Continues Yu, "Of all the people I've met here, she's the one with the potential to be an international star."

Star power and electronic wizardry aside, the seven tracks on A Pleasure to be Here have been carefully crafted, arranged to fully represent BCR, Shanghai and life in a strange and foreign land. The release show is set to be a validation and vindication of nearly two years of dedication and experimentation. "The CD shows that the songs are worth listening to on their own," adds Short who, according to Yu, had significant input in the production of the EP. "I'm happy with the way it sounds," says Short. "It's true and honest."

Dan Shapiro

Details:

What: Boys Climbing Ropes EP Release Show
When: Friday, May 9
Where: Windows Tembo
Cost: ￥30