Brit-pop is far too influential in the current Shanghai alternative music scene where many local bands blindly copy UK acts. But having paid their respects for three years, The Sonnet, formed by a group of college students, has found a distinctive sound of its own as evidenced in the debut CD: From The Last Century. Released in September 2005, this CD is named after the eighth track; an instrumental theme for an alternative movie made by local artist, Song Tao. Clearly The Sonnet’s sound is an alternative choice within the Chinese music scene. They blend noise, Brit-pop and American indie rock, with influences as diverse as The Verve, Sonic Youth, Pavement and the Japanese Shiina Ringo.
That said, this quintet does more than duplicate their heroes; they’ve even made cover songs of their own. Placebo’s “Pure Morning” sounds fresh and lively, while “Bless for Pop” proves the band has a gift for writing original and catchy melody. The latter’s English lyrics also reveal how difficult it is to be inventive in a second language. The Sonnet’s forthcoming second album, billed as “; simple, rough and direct,” promises another leap towards experimentation and creativity. Watch this space.
14sh records/ available at www.14sh.com

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
January 2006 issue