An Experimental Evening
by liza
Just a quick post to tell everyone about some bands I saw a couple of weeks ago!
Some Sunday afternoon randomness (drinking may or may not have been involved!) led me to Shibuya's O-Nest on Feb. 8, where Lowborn Soundsystem was playing a gig to celebrate its first album. Since the band billed itself as "post-punk," I was expecting something along the lines of Gang of Four.
Was I wrong! The 7- or 8-member group (it was hard to tell with all the jumping around!) tore onto the stage, ripped up a poster of a Japanese politician and launched into a set that was more Polysics than Joy Division. There were lots of trippy electronics from three DJs/programmers -- but again, hard to tell exactly as there were condoms and maxi pads raining down from the sky, as well as a pig's head, which was real, I learned at the afterparty from the comedian cracking wise between sets.
I don't think I'd classify them as "post-punk/alternative," but they certainly have enough punk attitude to go around. Check out their MySpace here.
Before their set, I was unexpectedly treated to a performance by 30-year-plus experimental veterans Hikashu (ヒカシュー, or "Hikasu" in romanji sometimes). They're outrageous, theatrical and all over the place. How often do you get to see a theremin used on stage? I always wondered how the spooky music in B-movies was made.
It looks like their next gig isn't until April 1 at Star Pine's Cafe, and I definitely recommend checking them out. Their experience really shows in their sound. MySpace here.
(image is from Hikashu's MySpace photos)

Some Sunday afternoon randomness (drinking may or may not have been involved!) led me to Shibuya's O-Nest on Feb. 8, where Lowborn Soundsystem was playing a gig to celebrate its first album. Since the band billed itself as "post-punk," I was expecting something along the lines of Gang of Four.
Was I wrong! The 7- or 8-member group (it was hard to tell with all the jumping around!) tore onto the stage, ripped up a poster of a Japanese politician and launched into a set that was more Polysics than Joy Division. There were lots of trippy electronics from three DJs/programmers -- but again, hard to tell exactly as there were condoms and maxi pads raining down from the sky, as well as a pig's head, which was real, I learned at the afterparty from the comedian cracking wise between sets.
I don't think I'd classify them as "post-punk/alternative," but they certainly have enough punk attitude to go around. Check out their MySpace here.
Before their set, I was unexpectedly treated to a performance by 30-year-plus experimental veterans Hikashu (ヒカシュー, or "Hikasu" in romanji sometimes). They're outrageous, theatrical and all over the place. How often do you get to see a theremin used on stage? I always wondered how the spooky music in B-movies was made.
It looks like their next gig isn't until April 1 at Star Pine's Cafe, and I definitely recommend checking them out. Their experience really shows in their sound. MySpace here.
(image is from Hikashu's MySpace photos)
Labels: avante garde, Live music in Tokyo, psych, punk, shibuya