THE BOOTLEGS

**THE BOOTLEGS** (靴腿) are a lo-fi indie rock duo hailing from Beijing, China, known for their raw, DIY charm and nostalgic soundscapes. Formed around 2017 by guitarist/vocalist Zhao Zijian (赵子健) and drummer Li Bing (李兵), the band crafts hazy, introspective tunes that blend jangly guitars, muffled vocals, and a wistful energy reminiscent of ’90s indie and garage rock. Their tracks, like the dreamy “幻灯片” (*Slide*) and the bittersweet “脏短袖” (*Dirty T-Shirt*), often explore themes of youth, urban ennui, and fleeting memories, delivered with a laid-back, almost conversational vibe.

With releases like *I Don’t Wanna Been Cool* and *I Feel Good*, THE BOOTLEGS mix Mandarin and English lyrics, channeling a scrappy, home-recorded aesthetic that’s earned them a cult following in China’s underground music scene. Whether riffing on cassette-tape nostalgia (“磁带之夜” *Cassette Night*) or spinning surreal stories (“幽灵的回访” *Ghost’s Return*), their music feels like flipping through a dusty photo album—imperfect, intimate, and irresistibly human.

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