WANG WEN have forged an identity for themselves as the most prominent instrumental band in China. They have spent the past 15 years refusing to compromise on their sound, and it’s paid off; the band were among the first to play outside of China, and now have seven studio albums and a split vinyl (with Swedish instrumentalists, PG.LOST). To celebrate their fifteenth year together, the band recorded Eight Horses. But as ever, they did it their way, and this time it was something truly special and unique.
Eight Horses was recorded in a studio that the band built themselves, within the walls of the Echo Library in Dalian. The recordings took place whilst the library was still open to the public; if you listen closely, you might even catch the sound of people talking and going about their business in the background. Recording in such a vibrant and open space – surrounded by books and people who had come along to watch WANG WEN – created an inspirational and creative environment for the band to work in.
The resulting album is more vivid – bolder and bigger – than it would have been if recorded in the confines of a more traditional recording studio. The album showcases the band in a more mature light, but retains the creative identity they’ve built up over the past decade and a half.
Having already toured Europe with Pelagic label-mates, MONO, and shared stages with the likes of Mogwai, the band are eager to share their new music with their ever-growing worldwide fanbase. Eight Horses is only being released on vinyl (with download code). 2xLP in a slick gatefold cover.
