On Stage

The Alcove

Saturday

As mui zyu, Hong Kong British artist Eva Liu searches for a portal, wandering between nothing
and everything in her pursuit of peace. She constructs compositions by blending
phantasmagorical strings with tape-mangled drum machines and traditional Chinese
instruments to create an unnerving sonic foundation where sugary pop melodies can contrast
on top creating an existential balm through music.

While her debut album, ’Rotten Bun for an Eggless Century’ delved into identity and cultural
displacement, the new sophomore LP, ’nothing or something to die for’ (out May 24, 2024 via
Father/Daughter) addresses the chaos of contemporary existence looking outward.

This album isn’t one of despair, though; it’s a poignant message of encouragement, urging
listeners to find solace in connections – both with others and within themselves. With an eye to
the absurd, it asks: how do we find the hole in the wall––the portal––to the path we all crave?

Now, instead of searching for answers from the inside, Liu raises her head to look at the world
around her. As she attempts to understand the complexities and significance of human
existence, she observes apathy alongside overwhelming chaos; the technological
advancements of connection with the lack of meaningful bonds and the frustrations of upholding
standards set by others. ‘nothing or something to die for’ tries to decipher these juxtaposing
truths, holding both the weight of those trying to destroy the world with the utter futility of it all.

’Rotten Bun for an Eggless Century’ and ’nothing or something to die for’ together stand as
reflections of everyone and everything that shapes our identities and where we fit into the
earthly fabric of our lives.