Ok…I have to admit, I was a bit thrown by this record. Judging by what I saw on the cover I figured I was about to embark on a world music journey centered in China and can you blame me…I mean look at the record. What QingXi actually is, however, is a chilled out electronic album from DJ Sun constructed as a soundtrack to his personal journey around China; at least I got the China part correct.
Anyway, QingXi is an atmospheric excursion through sound and an imaginative travelogue authored by DJ Sun. Originally commissioned as an audio visual experience the record is a thoughtful expedition where following along with the liner notes is important and informative. Sun, through his writing, sets the tone and the stage for each of the pieces that make up QingXi and it provides some context of where Sun’s imagination and creativity were rooted while he was producing this record.
Featuring a bevy of minimal beats, synth washes and other haunting and natural sounds one can’t help but wonder how these musical ideas permeated Sun’s journey throughout China. With tracks about bee keepers, shop keepers, the island of Macau and even sailing in a non-Christopher Cross sort of way Sun keeps your imagination flowing as his story unfolds. His blending of minimal techno and chill out while honoring tradition and culture makes for an awesome listen. It might not be a dance floor monster but QingXi is an amazing headphone experience that will keep you mind incredibly busy. While this isn’t what I was expecting, I got something much better. DJ Sun’s QingXi is an awesome listen and an interesting idea that works. One would love to see DJ Sun take the idea of aural travelogue’s and run with it. Imagine an Australian journey, an Indian excursion, an Arctic experience…the possibilities are endless in a Rick Steeves kind of way!
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