Chinese Music Blog

Arys Chien, proficient songwriter by the name of 深白色, and Duan Yu (端妤), lovely female vocalist, form the new group Deep White. Avex Trax promoted them madly, proudly listing all the artists for whom Arys Chien had written lyrics. However, this duo really requires no such introduction. Their music speaks for themselves.
Let me get straight to the point: their debut album is good. No overused background music, stereotypical love song lyrics, or weak vocals. The best part is that everything from musical arrangement, lyrical composition, guitar-playing, and vocals is done by Arys Chien and Duan Yu themselves, which is a major plus for me.
Arys Chien’s talent is quite evident in his musical arrangements, which are heavily layered, complex, and always unique, employing fantastic acoustic and electric guitar-playing as well as nice string and piano arrangements. The music is always varied and innovative while retaining beauty. Not to mention quirky.
The lyrics throughout the album are moving, insightful, and at times, funny. The songs don’t recycle the same old words by setting them to slightly different melodies.
Duan Yu’s vocals are very strong, confident, but also sweet. She isn’t a top-notch singer, but her passion and emotion are apparent.
The album is balanced well, with some awesome ballads mixed in with some great rock numbers. They vary in tempo, instruments, and styles. The upbeat songs may just save the album from being “just another Chinese pop album”. And yet, through all the album’s diversity, Deep White’s distinctive, consistent attitude is present throughout.

01. 那個人 (That Person) – Powerful ballad, quite easily the best one in the album.
02. 悄悄話 (Whisperings) – Unique, humorous concept in the lyrics accompanied by great electric guitar playing.
03. 魚在水裡哭 (The Fish Are Crying in the Water) – Oversimplistic melody easily overlooked; saved by subtle lyrics with a big impact.
04. Help Me I’m in Love – Moderate tempo, more great guitar, all in all a happy song.
05. 還能不能 (Can I Still) – The a cappella at the beginning makes it different, but I don’t think the melody works without accompaniment. An otherwise beautiful, melancholic number.
06. 記憶森林 (Forest of Memories) – Uneventful until the explosive, emotional chorus.
07. I’m Crying – Upbeat with a funky melody and strong vocals.
08. Nothing Wrong - Yet again more great guitar. A bit heavier than “Help Me I’m in Love” but very much in the same vein.
09. 邊緣 (Borderline) – Peaceful ballad a bit more mainstream than the rest but still beautiful.
10. That’s Me – Similar to “I’m Crying” but more laidback and definitely with its own unique merits. Acceptable finish.

All tracks are recommended. Picking just a few would be difficult and unfair.

It’s always so hard reviewing albums I enjoy because there are only so many times I can repeat the words “amazing!”, “great!”, etc. My only complaint would be that Chien doesn’t sing enough, but he contributes so much in other aspects it doesn’t really matter. Duan Yu can hold her own. All in all, Deep White’s debut is solid, featuring 100% talent and a whole lot of spunk.

Discuss this album here.