Rob Jacobs and John McCowen thrive on restlessness. Their joint project Wei Zhongle has maintained a rotating cast of musicians through the five albums they’ve released under that name. The latest pleasant shock to the system from this Chicago-based outfit is the new album The Operators, out on February. 16th via Self Sabotage Records. The record is bouncy and bubbly yet cut through with hard angles and sharp points. Give a listen to this slithery beast of a song from the new LP and take care not to let it wrap around your cerebral cortex too tightly
On their latest album, The Operators, Wei Zhongle achieves a natural continuation and a stark departure from their previous output. Gone is the spacious brooding of the band’s most outré fare, replaced with a raw and potent funkiness, a radiant optimism, and undeniable ear-worm-ready hooks. It’s no less trance-inducing than they’ve been at their heaviest, but it’s a different sort of ecstasy, one marked by deep grooves, sinewy melodies, and frenetic paces.
Wei Zhongle was born in a midwestern oasis from a love of traditional Chinese court music and general esotericism. Now they make pop music. Led by guitarist & vocal gymnast Rob Jacobs, Wei Zhongle has had four differing line-ups over five albums released with avant-taste-makers like NNA Tapes, Hairy Spider Legs, and New Atlantis. Constants Rob Jacobs and John McCowen are now joined by workhorses Pat Keen (Ramp Local) and Phil Sudderberg, adding a burrowing depth of groove to fleeting melodies and clamorous reeds.
Give a listen to this slithery beast of a song from the new LP and take care not to let it wrap around your cerebral cortex too tightly
“Mute” is the eighth track on the album, The Operators, coming out Friday, 16th February 2018 via Self Sabotage Records.
Phil Sudderberg – Drums & Drum Pad
Pat Keen – Fretless Bass
John McCowen – Electronic Clarinet
Rob Jacobs – Guitar & Voice
Written & Produced by Rob Jacobs
The Fat Angel Sings 