Zhao Lying is a Chinese indie band that formed in Beijing around 2011. The group includes Zhao Lei on vocals and guitar, Wang Meng on guitar, Zhang Jian on bass, and Zhao Jianguo on drums. Their music pulls from folk and rock, with influences that range from Bob Dylan to Japanese singer Kazumasa Oda.
They've released several albums, including 'The Beginning' in 2013, 'Waltz of the Wilderness' in 2015, 'Time Flies' in 2017, and a track called 'No Fruit' featuring Chen Xiao in 2019. Their sound tends to be sparse and atmospheric, built around Zhao Lei's emotive delivery and introspective lyrics.
In 2016, the song 'No Fruit' drew criticism from some conservative groups who read it as a critique of the government. The band didn't censor the material, which solidified their reputation for writing frankly about personal and social themes. Their work has found an audience among listeners who respond to that direct, unfiltered approach.
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