Milk@coffee is the sort of act that defies categorization; indeed, their style of music varies from one cut to the next. Much like adding milk to coffee, the result depends on the mix. Add just a little milk, and the coffee remains strong and bitter; add more and it becomes sweet and creamy. However, this Chinese band has more than two elements, and the mix of vocals, keyboards, samplers, electric guitar and break beats, provides endless variations. The tracks on this release combine pop rock, easy listening, new wave, trip hop and downtempo beats infused with the moody and mellow vocals of lead singer/songwriter Kiki. One might say she provides the milk, while keyboardist/producer/singer Gefei furnishes the coffee. In short, his yang is nicely balanced by her yin. The ‘@’ in the middle of the band’s name, suggest their use of the latest technology (computer game sound effects). It also hints at the origins of the pair’s union – on an Internet chat line. In any case, this low fat milk and home brewed java combination on the Beijing-based label Modernsky, is just the stuff for your next coffee klatch. Shuang!
Modernsky

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