The face of Beijing’s DIY underground music scene, The Offset: Spectacles were once regulars at D-22, but resisted signing a deal with the venue’s associated label, Maybe Mars Records. Now, after releasing a 2010 EP on cassette under their own label, Rose Mansion Analog, their debut LP on glorious vinyl at last hits shelves.
The drum-less trio do what they do best here: building steady grooves based on a tapping organ, sparse guitar strumming and confrontational bass lines. Lead singer Spectator K’s voice can sound a bit thin in a studio environment, but the overall outcome delivers a dark, haunting, cerebral atmosphere that reflects the band’s lo-fi rock traits.
Order a copy (which includes digital downloads of all the tracks) at rose. mansion.analog@gmail.com or buy it at Freesound Records, Jam Bar, Modernista or Indie Music. See listings for addresses.