Strobolight perform at Yugong Yishan in Beijing on August 31 [Zhong Yi]

The UK-based post-rock band Strobolight performed their third concert in China at Yugong Yishan, Beijing's premier venue for live music, on August 31.

The four-piece band formed at Oxford University in 2007. It includes Robin Walton (vocals and guitar) and Graeme Karney (bass) from the UK and Sen Xu (drums) and Ken Wang (piano and keyboard) from China. Walton composes most of the music they perform.

Born in Oxford, Walton joined the record label Involve at the age of 17. In 2002, he released his EP Left Arm Friend, drawing interest from other labels including Mercury, Fierce Panda and Universal. He later received an invitation from Universal to make a demo at a studio in London. In 2007, Walton joined Strobolight.

Some music critics say the band rejects the verse-chorus song structure in favor of a more classical approach that rarely repeats phrases. Moreover, the material focuses less on vocals than on catchy instrumental phrases, tempo changes and dynamics.

"I think the Chinese audience can understand my music," Walton said at the Beijing concert.

The members of Strobolight, who are all graduating next year, are sparing no effort to promote their original album and live performances by seeking sponsors from the music industry, said Ken Wang, the only female member.

The band will continue their tour to Shanghai.

(Beijing Review, September 2, 2009)