Omnipotent Youth Society - Omnipotent Youth Society

DITCHING TRADITION FOR THE SAKE OF ASSIMILATION

From an outsider's perspective, Chinese music is difficult to narrow down. This, in large part due to the culture, government, and reticent people that reside in such large numbers on the mainland. It's no wonder then that Omnipotent Youth Society fell into my lap, considering it contradicts each of the aforementioned principles. Critical of Communist rule, going so far as to mare traditional Chinese Folk music with American alternatives, both classic and modern, as a way of chastising Capitalism and its strain on society. Strong stuff, and one that's provocative even beyond the incomprehensible language. However, it's that same language that proves difficult for a foreigner such as myself to overcome. Chinese is clunky, obtuse, and stout, not conductive categories for graceful music such as this. Dong Yaqian tries his best, elevating such indecorous words with emotive levity. The result, however, struggles to wow when it's clear that was the intention.

And perhaps this is too critical, as personal preference is the ultimate deciding factor here. Sonically though, Omnipotent Youth Society is a magniloquent curiosity that uses hushed, folklore sounds during the interspersed verses, offsetting palatial hooks and bridges with density only akin to modern Art Rock. The horns in particular are something else, as seen most prevalently on '不万能的喜剧,' '秦皇岛,' and '在这颗行星所有的酒馆.' It's in the latter, a nine-minute journey through varying passages, where I'm reminded of The Tea Club; a 2000's Progressive Rock outfit of little impact. Interestingly enough, with the Folk Rock in tow, Cerberus Shoal isn't that strange of a comparison either. These bands, and Omnipotent Youth Society, all share in the grandeur of complex instrumentation. Like playing a strategy game where this one, seemingly-innocuous move eventually leads to a satisfying combo a few turns down the road. Omnipotent Youth Society maneuvers in this way, coy and predictable before stunting expectations for vast send-offs. For China, the musicality is quite novel. However, one can't go without stating what the reception would be like if an American band released the same album. Actually, The Tea Club's success, or lack thereof, garners enough proof. Interesting based more on circumstance, less on art.