China Crisis

One of the best artists to come out of the Liverpool area, China Crisis music runs the full spectrum from experimental to pop. Formed in 1979 and currently a duo of Gary Daly and Eddie Lundon. Past members include Dave Reilly, Gazza Johnson, Brian McNeill, Kevin Wilkinson and yes even Walter Becker of Steely Dan fame.

Kevin Wilkinson also was a member of The League of Gentlemen, The Waterboys and Squeeze. Sadly he died in 1999 at the young age of 41.

Still performing but mostly staying close to home, they released a studio album of new material in 2015, the first since 1994. But, lets talk about the early material, in particular Difficult Shapes & Passive Rhythms and Working with Fire and Steel. Good examples of the conundrum of China Crisis. Is it pop music or is it experimental... I would say both... experimental pop. Take a listen to "Feel To Be Driven Away" (see below).

Some of the more experimental tracks like "Cucumber Garden" and "Dockland" dont even approach the realm of "pop" while other tracks such as the well known "Arizona Sky" are quite mainstream.

As stated China Crisis is one of the best artists of the era.

See more from China Crisis


Listen to "Feel To Be Driven Away" from China Crisis


I am a cobra
A snake that is
Reluctant to talk
Or live on grass

Passing through electrical fences
Uniform and opposition fade

I travel distance, make my
I make my exit by the tree

I hide behind chairs
Feel driven away
Too smart to answer
Questions, always questions