Live from UB: Rock & Freedom in the New Mongolia

The history of Mongolian pop music comes to light in Lauren Knapp's informative documentary. With only three million citizens, Mongolia is one of the least densely populated countries on Earth, and over half live in Ulaanbaatar or UB. While the country was under Communist rule, Western rock records crossed the borders through back channels. Music fans shared albums with each other, but there were also homegrown groups, such as Soyol Erdene (aka Cultural Jewel), who played soft rock. Through unions, the state approved every lyric written and every note they played, but they still made an impact on a younger generation. But in the 1980s, underground groups like Khonkh and Chinggis (Ghengis) Khaan, became popular. Khonhk's "The Ringing of the Bell" served as an anthem of the 1989 pro-democracy movement (and still resonates today). Knapp also profiles contemporary acts, such as Altan Urag (aka Golden Generation), the first band to add electronic distortion to traditional instruments; Bold, a solo singer who performs Mongol Pop; and Mohanik, a leather jacket-and-jeans quartet who claim pop-punk bands like Blink-182 and Linkin Park as influences, but have more of a garage-rock sound. During the course of the film, shot in 2012, Mohanik replaces a departing drummer, tests out new material in China, and records an album in a rural monastery. Despite all the talent, however, the country's modest population makes it difficult for bands to attract enough of a following to earn a living, making it hard for them stay together over the long haul. But the success of the profiled acts here indicates a possible shift in the country's musical fortunes. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)