Beijing World Youth Academy’s Hot Noise opened the show Saturday at Vics
An eclectic mix of student bands from Beijing’s international high schools rocked Vics Saturday while raising money for disaster relief in Japan.
A crowd of 350 students, friends and even a few parents packed the all-ages show Rock-am-Jing, which featured bands from WAB, ISB, BWYA and other of Beijing’s premier international schools.
It is no surprise that these kids can make music — they seem to have long mastered the basic guitar riffs and drum beats. Judging by the shouts and chants that filled the venue, the vibrant frenzy of youthful energy on stage captivated the crowd.
Hot Noise (Beijing World Youth Academy) opened the show and played songs with a well-balanced rhythm, featuring old favorites like Guns N’ Roses’ Sweet Child of Mine. Guitarist Johnny was a highlight, shuffling the guitar chords in his Afro hairstyle.
Next up, the blues-rock act Red Lights (WAB) showed a different side to rock that was engaging and brought a breath of fresh air to the venue. The energy of their lead singer was full-blast.
Alt. Senior (a guest band featuring a former WAB student) showed the crowd a consistent rock-edged sound and was probably one of the most well-rehearsed bands of the evening.
Déjà vu (No. 55 High School and Tsinghua Fuzhong) played many of their own songs, whilst covering their main inspiration, Green Day.
Agent Orange (WAB and Harrow) performed with their Florence and the Machine-inspired lead singer whose raspy yet strong voice highlighted their cover of The Beatles’ classic Come Together.
WAB’s We Just Got Here was one of the more energetic sets of the evening
The band mates from We Just Got Here (WAB) showed up with their hair dyed in fluorescent colors, and the bassist with his bright green hair and moxie looked he came straight from the set of 90s independent classic SLC Punk.
Last but not least, Bad Apples (the ISB Bad Apples… not to be confused with the other Bad Apples of Beijing) proved to be much more metal than the punk-inspired acts that preceded them, yet their unique sound and broad audience appeal brought the show to a crescendo with the formation of the first mosh pit of the evening.
All said and done, approximately RMB 20,000 was raised for donation to the Red Cross for disaster relief in Japan.
