Formation and early years (2003–2009) Re-Tros formed in 2003 in Beijing. The current core line-up comprises Hua Dong (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Liu Min (bass, vocals, keyboards) and Huang Jin (drums, percussion). The band signed to the Chinese label Modern Sky and released the EP
Cut Off! in 2005; during the recording, Brian Eno contributed improvised parts using synthesizers and electronic treatments, which drew attention within China’s indie scene. The band’s early activity included Beijing livehouse performances and a national tour following the EP release. In 2009, Re-TROS issued their first full-length album,
Watch Out! Climate Has Changed, Fat Mum Rises..., expanding their palette with more electronic and experimental elements. In 2013, they supported
Public Image Ltd on the group’s first shows in China. Re-TROS released their second studio album,
Before the Applause (2017), produced by Hector Castillo (known for work with David Bowie, Lou Reed and Björk). The record received positive critical notices in English-language media:
The Quietus praised its boundary-blurring approach between post-punk and electronica, Later in 2017, the band opened European arena dates for
Depeche Mode on their Global Spirit Tour, and appeared as the opening act for
The xx in Beijing during the band’s Asia tour. They also toured North America that year, including as co-headliners or tour partners with
Xiu Xiu.
Domestic profile and large-scale shows (2018–2021) In 2018, Re-Tros received recognition at domestic music awards for
Before the Applause, including honours at the CMA Music Awards such as Band of the Year and Best Rock Album. The group participated in the 2020 reality music programme
The Big Band (Season 2) on iQIYI, which broadened their mainstream visibility. In May 2021, Re-Tros launched the arena-scale concert series, After the Applause, with a headline show at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai reported at around 10,000 attendees—unusual for a Chinese indie rock act.
Recent years (2022–present) Between 2022 and 2023, Re-Tros undertook their InBetween China tour. In 2024, the band mounted the RE+ North American tour with
Liars and
Battles, covering eight cities including New York, Toronto, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver, Boston and Chicago. In April 2024, Re-TROS recorded a live session at
KEXP in Seattle; the performance video was published in May 2024. During the 40th anniversary of China–France diplomatic relations, the band performed at the China–France Next Beats Beyond Borders Youth Music Festival alongside Jean-Benoît Dunckel and others. Later in 2024, Re-Tros toured the UK (London and Manchester) and appeared in China and Japan on co-bills with
Zazen Boys. == Musical style ==