Tulegur – Walk Away (Sea of Wood Records, 2024)
Tulegur (图利古尔) is a Chinese rock band that fuses Mongolian folk traditions with contemporary music elements. The band is known for skillfully combining traditional throat singing, or “humai,” with modern rock instrumentation, including guitar, drums, and bass. Tulegur’s sound captures the essence of Mongolian culture while embracing innovative arrangements, electronic influences, and a dynamic fusion of old and new.
Walk Away is Tulegur’s second album released internationally. It is the result of a period of reflection and evolution. The original duo has grown into a trio. The group takes folk and folk inspired melodies sung traditionally and injects them with hard grunge and elegant, intricate progressive rock. Notably, the band’s leader uses various guitar techniques that range from emulating traditional Mongolian styles to fierce rock.
The band’s music reflects a deep connection to the Inner Mongolian grasslands, drawing inspiration from the region’s landscapes and cultural heritage. Through their performances, Tulegur brings the often-overlooked melodies of nomadic life to international audiences. The frontman, a Mongolian raised without speaking his native language, reconnects with his roots and expresses his cultural identity through the band’s high-energy performances.
In 2008, Tulegur released their debut EP The Wind on the Grassland, followed by a live EP, The Blue Hometown. That same year, they also completed their first solo tour in China.
In the period of 2010-2011, the band released a solo demo titled Sunrise and performed on the Suld Tour in Finland.
Tulegur toured Europe in 2012 and lectured on Mongolian music at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. They also released their debut full length album, I Am Mongolian.
During 2013-2014, the band conducted multiple European tours and performed at major festivals, including Art Rock in France and Edinburgh Fringe in the UK.
In 2015 Tulegur played at prominent festivals such as the Swedish Peace & Love Music Festival and WOMAD. Moreover, they released the EP Wind, Grass, Sound.
The band participated in the Sakurazaka ALYSUM Music Festival in Japan and WOMADelaide in 2016.
Moving forward, in 2017-2018 Tulegur joined French band The Celtic Social Club at Les Vieilles Charrues in France and recorded a new album in Berlin.
A 39-stop tour across China followed in 2019, including a gig at the Shanghai Jazz Festival.
During 2020-2023, Tulegur released the album hoRRRsss and continued to perform at major events, including the Beijing Music Space and Kunming Shilin Music Festival.
The song “Sulde” is a reinterpretation of a solo track, symbolizing spiritual power and peace. Meanwhile, “Vast Mongolia” portrays the joy and freedom of nomadic life.
“The Storm” emphasizes resilience in the face of adversity, with powerful bass lines echoing a storm’s intensity.
“Eagle’s Eyes” represents the nomads’ spirit, likening them to eagles soaring over the grasslands.
Musicians: Tong Zhigang, all compositions, lyrics, and arrangements, vocals, guitar; Bailu on bass; Gao ZiLun on drum and percussion.
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Tian Jian at ALSO Music Studio.
Cover design by Meng Xin, Zi Xi.
Buy Walk Away.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.