INSTRUMENTAL NEWFOUNDLAND TRIO CENTERED ON THE GUZHENG, A TRADITIONAL CHINESE ZITHER, CELEBRATES THE RELEASE OF THEIR DEBUT RECORD TODAY
“Whether its through the meditative layering of Explosions in the Sky-adjacent ‘Leaves Left Behind’ or the invigorating melodic journey in album opener ‘Another Day,’ XIA-3’s debut album will break your mind and heart open.” – CBC MUSIC: One of 22 Canadian Albums We Can’t Wait To Hear in 2025
Raw, ethereal post-rock and the haunting beauty of classical Chinese melodies collide on Interworlds – the bold, powerful debut album from XIA-3 available today. Stream it on your platform of choice by clicking HERE or on the artwork above. Physical copies of the album are also available via the Acadian Embassy store and on Bandcamp.
Centered around the guzheng, a traditional Chinese zither, XIA-3 is a groundbreaking trio from Newfoundland led by award-winning virtuoso Jing Xia, with the dynamic support of seasoned St. John’s punk rockers Ritche Perez (guitar) and Brian Downton (drums). Kindred spirits eager to defy conventions, XIA-3 reimagines ancient musical traditions to create electrifying soundscapes bridging East and West, seamlessly weaving together world music, metal, jazz, prog, experimental rock, and more.
Interworlds, the trio’s first full length, is “both playful and introspective, as Xia’s deft melodies build enchanting stories alongside the atmospheric playing of her bandmates” (CBC Music). Over the span of eight eclectic instrumental compositions, XIA-3 delivers an expansive sonic journey that emerges from this compelling fusion of cultures and sounds.
Beginning with a singular, calling note on the guzheng before busting through borders with thunderous drums and a towering baritone guitar, album opener and lead-off single “Another Day“ sets the stage for the ambitious collection borne of Jing Xia’s dream of blending her Chinese heritage with contemporary genres.
The trio’s heavier leanings are also captured on tracks such as the prog rock infused “Transmission,“ which pulses with futuristic layers and distinctive guzheng plucking techniques, and Interworlds’ doomy yet hopeful swan song, “Spring Calls,“ which marries cascading melodies that evoke the awakening of nature with colossal crashing rhythms. The groovier, quasi-stoner-rock tinged “Park Like A Jerk,“ a nod to urban chaos, delves into the group’s whimsical energy by bringing to the fore an air of improvisational flair and a sense of humour.
Beyond the brawn, however, Interworlds equally imparts moments of stunning grace. “Leaves Left Behind,“ the record’s second single released on the eve of the Lunar New Year, welcomes the Year of the Snake with a poignant reflection on memory and change by weaving delicate tones inspired by the fleeting beauty of autumn. Paying homage to guzheng tradition, the warm energy of “Blood Orange, Sunshine” blends both classical and contemporary techniques, transitioning from a typical Asian groove to a fast-paced allegretto before concluding with flowing, water-like textures.
Traditions also abound on pieces such as “Love Song,“ inspired by the beloved Chinese folk melody “Love Song of Kangding,“ and “Curious Dragons,“ a track that channels the youthful energy of dragons – or loong – with movements that ebb and flow between serenity and intensity.
It is here – in the precarious balancing act of wonder and awe, hope and resilience, heritage and innovation – that XIA-3 thrives. Shattering boundaries between what is expected and what is possible, their extraordinary debut is an adept exploration of what modern music can be in the context of cultural reimagining.
Interworlds is available today, Friday, February 28, via LHM Records and Acadian Embassy.