Miya Dodu 
Cold Fairyland : Seeds On The Ground (CN,2007)****'
If I remember well, Chinese music before recently was not allowed or meant to be exported. And too often certain musical expressions were considered as still being rather provocative by the government. But sooner or later they had to reconsider this part, for art is a money making business which could mean other contracts, so this creative part should be released sooner or later because it could only become a benefit in the growth and evolution plan. This band is in
fact the first really interesting band I have heard to come out of Shanghai (the biggest city, of over 20 million citizens). People might easily say it is a perfect mix of Western of Eastern, but perhaps it’s just open minded Chinese music with one Chinese traditional instrument, and singing, and the addition of drums and electric bass, acoustic guitar and cello in a progressive and semi-improvised sense, making it completely compatible with a Western approach while remaining spontaneous and inspired and open to the beauty of its Chinese core melodies, as well as of the joy to arrange (Western typed) improvisations with it. “Puzzle” with funky and even fuzz elements in the guitars sounds as a great example of their progressive fusion/crossover style ability. A very rewarding album.
