by Tieh-Chih Chang
Mandarin VersionAt the end of the 80s, Taiwan had still been through severe changes during the post martial law period. In 1988, Lee Teng-Hui became the president. The blood during 520 Peasant Movement spread the streets. “The city of Sadness” aired its grievances of the taboo, 228, to the main stream society. In 1989, Nan-Jung Cheng burned himself. Thousands of people who are angry at the housing policy slept on Chung Hsiao East Road to protest. In March 1990, the biggest student movement in the post-war period erupted to ask for democracy.
A music revolution was also underway. From the new music movement rising in rebellion to the break-out of “new Taiwanese songs” movement, the music map in Taiwan has became different ever since.
In that historical moment which is chaotic and with unlimited possibilities, the Loh Tsui Kweh Commune was born.
At that time, even the underground music had not yet formed in Taiwan. But the Loh Tsui Kweh Commune was already trying to break the rules of the game in music. They played rugged noises and performed action art by pranking with disguises. Back then, no one knew if this band was just an experiment by students out of sudden enthusiasm. However, now this band has become the oldest underground band or independent band. The teen Loh Tsui Kweh Commune which once masturbated for many years has finally turned into adult. It is 20 years old now, but inside a teenager’s desire which can never be satisfied has never died away.
This band is indeed full of contradictions. The members’ educational backgrounds are very strong, but they are also the most vulgar band. They care about politics the most, but they play jokes without considering political correctness. All these contradictions make the Loh Tsui Kweh Commune the most outstanding band in our times.
The Loh Tsui Kweh Commune’s music esthetics is somewhat similar to that of punk music in the west, which includes rough techniques, high energy music, attention to politics, and situationism philosophy . But its deeper essence is a strong “Taiwanese flavor”, which can be found in their music foundation, performaning style, and issues they cared about. In 1995, the Loh Tsui Kweh Commune’s first album “Joyous Anal-Retentive” was released. It shows the youngsters’ excessive energy and the strong dissatisfaction with the system.
Over the last 20 years, the politics and society in Taiwan have been through huge changes. However, it seems nothing has ever changed in many ways. The ruling party in the authoritarian regime once lost power but now came back. The hero in the democraic movement became a president but is a prisoner now. People’s voice seems louder, but no louder than capitalists’. Housing price is still too high for most people,; young people’s salaries seem to be lower and peasants are still struggling to make living.
The changes in the music scene seem to be more dramatic . There are more people in the “Spring Scream” and other music festival than before. And more independent bands have been formed. And the Loh Tsui Kweh Commune has become a legend in the music field without losing its vulgar humor and Taiwanese style. And they are still streeting fighting men.
After 20 years, today the system is still conservative, reactionary, and boring. We expect the Loh Tsui Kweh Commune continue their on-stage riots to keep on fighting.