wang changcun

The Mountain Swallowing Sadness

'The Mountain Swallowing Sadness' (why do I get the sneaky feeling this is a direct translation from Chinese??) is the debut album from Chinese noisemaker and member of the China Sound Unit Wang Changcun. Across two long tracks he shows a deft skill in noisy composition - maybe best compared to arch-concrete genius Bernard Parmigiani. The first track, a 40 minute long monster entitled 'Grand Hotel' takes swarms of white noise, toying with the listener as it ebbs and flows. This is noise, certainly - but it's not unpleasant or loud, rather it maps out space and form - Changcun himself notes that in writing the piece he was trying to create the illusion of architectural space, and for him that space represented a hotel, hence the title. I can definitely hear what he's attempting here, but I think it will only be after a few listens that the true depth of an ambitious piece such as this would be truly understood. The second track 'King of Image 1995' is simply a recording taken of a burial in the North East of China, but what a recording! Gorgeous vocals and traditional Chinese percussion and instrumentation are recorded 'as is' giving you the feeling that you could be hiding behind a rock watching the villagers bury their fallen brother. A strange album, and certainly not a record which would appeal to everyone but 'The Mountain Swallowing Sadness' is a deep and varied listening experience which will reward adventurous listeners and is another great addition to the Sub Rosa catalogue.