Formed in 1998, Si Dou Le was one of China’s first hardcore bands and among the earliest acts to come out of Wuhan’s burgeoning punk scene. They recorded their first demo in 2000 and released it together with three other Wuhan bands, SMZB, Mama and Angry Dog Eyes (who later changed their name to Shit Dog). As one of the more active bands in Wuhan’s thriving community, Si Dou Le reached out to Canadian-French folk-punk act Vialka and in 2003 the two bands hit the road together to tour China. Unfortunately, China’s political climate wasn’t yet ripe for an endeavor of this kind -- their tour was stopped by police after only six shows for suspicion of political conspiracy with foreigners.

They may have been thwarted in China, but the following year Si Dou Le headed for Europe, and together with Vialka played 35 shows in 7 countries. This two-song 7-inch was pressed especially for that European tour and is only the third-ever vinyl release from a Chinese punk band. Though the tour was a success, the band broke up after returning to China and moved on to other projects, including playing in 400 Blows, SMZB and Fanzui Xiangfa, penning CHAOS zine and opening Wuhan’s VOX club.

The two songs offered up on this 7-inch, “Motor Youth” b/w “Enemy In Your Soul,” capture Si Dou Le for what they were -- a proficient and original band playing hardcore-punk with strong melodies and powerful vocals.The lyrics are positive and thoughtful, with a focus on youth, competition and desire. A Dream in Our Hearts is a rare release from Wuhan’s early scene and represents an important part of Chinese punk history that should not be forgotten.