With their latest single, titled “Mongolian Dub”, UK-based collective Tian Qiyi deliver a hypnotic, bold, cross-cultural masterstroke that defies easy categorization. Lifted from their forthcoming sophomore album “Songs For Workers” (out June 27 via Pagoda Records), this track refines their ethno-psychedelic vision into something, at the same time, ancient and futuristic. Their father, legendary Jah Wobble, adds his unmistakable basslines and his sons, John Tian Qi and Charlie Tian Yi, channel their heritage with confidence, blending ambient, kraut rock, prog rock, post-punk and dub sensibilities with Chinese, Mongolian and Irish sonic traditions, filtered through a modern experimental lens. The production is dense and immersive, yet nothing feels cluttered. Every element—be it the shimmering drones, reverb-laden strings or subtle field recordings—feels intentional and deeply atmospheric. What results is a track that feels spiritual but grounded, psychedelic but precise. Coming off the success of their debut (“Red Mist”), which established Tian Qiyi as a vital new force, “Mongolian Dub” feels like a significant step forward: more assured, more expansive, more daring. This is music that traverses borders—geographical and sonic—offering a vision of global dub that is at once deeply personal and radically open. With this superb track, Tian Qiyi evolve their lineage, broaden the mind of their generation and embark on a fascinating journey that sounds avant-garde and progressive. If you want to taste something otherworldly, strange, mysterious and … beautiful, you shall proceed! The new, second album by Tian Qiyi looks like an exciting work of modern experimental music!
-8,5/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
https://wearetian.bandcamp.com/track/mongolian-dub
