Mikeru On Chinese Music Today

Endy Chow's first solo album since 2005's Light, College is a long overdue release from one of Hong Kong's most talented new-generation singer-songwriters. Granted it's one of those "new + best" compilations that record companies like to put out to test fan patience, but there are actually five brand new songs so it's not a bad deal even for those who already own all of his previous albums (cough... me). Frankly, I'm just glad that Endy Chow is still working.

All five of the new songs in College are fairly representative of Endy's rock and ballad style. "Gray Peter Pan" (Track 1) is typical of his rock offerings, a mid-tempo hardish pop rock number, particular notable for its growling guitar and snappy arrangement. One of the most interesting and distinctive characteristics of Endy's compositions is that they often skip the hook so crucial in pop music, but "Gray Peter Pan" comes across fairly catchy in its measured beats, rising volume, and free-wheeling kidult energy, not to mention Riley Lam's idiosyncratic lyrics alluding to games and toys.