Wang Wen (cn)

This year Wang Wen celebrated their 25th anniversary with a special run of live shows in their homeland, a special occasion that we’re looking forward to replicating next year at the festival. Founded in 1999 in Dalian, Wang Wen are considered the giants of instrumental-rock/post-rock in China and their impressive catalogue is only one reason why. They have released 12 albums and toured in more than 20 countries and shared stages with other giants such as Mogwai and Jaga Jazzist. Wang Wen in fact are also well known for their intense, visceral and immersive live shows. When they’re not busy bringing their beautiful melancholic and polyphonic instrumental music around the world, Wang Wen are busy composing new classics, and adding more milestones to the illustrious career. Since the last time they played at the 2019 festival, the band added two more gems to their catalogue, releasing “100’000 Why’s” a joyful and blissful masterpiece painted in vibrant vivid colours in 2020, and “Painful Clown & Ninja Tiger” in 2022, an intricate journey written in dystopian tones and the first record to feature sang part extensively since the band’s sophomore record (RE: RE: RE:, 2005). Despite diametrically different narrations, both albums came blaring to the same conclusion. In almost a prophetic way, Wang Wen urge us to not take things so seriously and re-evaluate our priorities. Get back to the basics, to nature, to embracing simplicity and uncertainty with the same fervent stride. We wanted to honour the band and this long-lasting legacy, please join us in celebration of Wang Wen’s impressive achievements in a rare chance to see the masters live in Europe!

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