Imperial China have created a sound that at once echoes this city’s musical history yet stands apart from anything else this city has offered previously or offers presently. Musically, the guitar riffs and speak-sing vocal delivery show a definite homage to bands like Minor Threat and Fugazi. The lyrics on songs like their EP’s opener “There Is No Translation” could as easily be a critique of the city as a fight with a friend. However, the overwhelming vibe on their EP runs closer to bands like Battles or Don Caballero with their rhythm-driven, heavily percussive sound. It’s at once experimental yet pattern-driven and it’s refreshing even as it blisters in your eardrums. Their live show is also ridiculously loud and energetic. As the trio of Brian Porter, Patrick Gough and Matt Johnson thrash about the stage, it’s hard not to pay attention and even harder not to start beating time with both feet (which in some cities is known as dancing.) We sat down with Porter and Johnson to discuss recording with Devin Ocampo, BYOB venues in North Carolina and why it’s refreshing to see their favorite bands mess up.

See them next: Tomorrow night at the Black Cat with Caverns and True Womanhood

Visit them online at: myspace.com/imperialchina