Subs set the standard at Windows Tembo

Beijing based punk rockers The Subs officially opened Windows Tembo’s new stage last night. The venue was packed and the show, well … it’s already got us reaching for the superlatives. Luckily, supporting act Mortal Fools drummer Tim Anderson was on hand to sum up the night with a calmer observation: “Every time the Subs play Shanghai they raise the bar for the whole scene and everyone gets lifted up.”
Mortal Fools impressed with their new line up. As the support act they had to make do with an average sound at first but as they got into the second half of the set, the sound was worked out and turned up. A mosh pit started up and they pleased the crowd with a surprise Ska track. Given time, and a stint of all being in the same city, Mortal Fools will be the complete product.
The Subs just keep getting better. But what makes their shows wild is ‘it’. We don’t know exactly what ‘it’ is but, whatever makes bands take the final step, detach themselves and gain some kind of aura or mystique — The Subs have ‘it’. From the second singer Kang Mao hit the stage the packed venue exploded. She was on fine form, leading the crowd with her bottomless pit of energy, telling fans who were not getting in the pit to f*ck themslves (in Mandarin) and finally joining in the crowd surfing.
Yuyintang showed what they could do with the Hedgehog show, and now Windows Tembo has set itself an impossibly high standard with its first gig. It remains to be seen if the scene is going to answer The Subs’ call to arms. PK-14 next weekend anyone?