Wednesday 28 April 2010

Fashion Crisis on May 1st

by craig



Fashion Crisis is a monthly free event run by Ian Martin of Call and Response Records. The next one is this Saturday, May 1st from 7:30 at the cool little Bar One in Koenji.

Regular Fashion Crisis live act Candles are away in Osaka, but there will be some great live music from:

-Akane Hosaka
: instrumental pico-pico new wave puppet-pop.
http://www.myspace.com/akanehosaka

-The Students: new wave, guitar pop trio.
http://www.myspace.com/studentstokyo

DJs:

-Grant McGaheran (Abikyokan)
-James Hadfield (Metropolis)
-Ian Martin (Call and Response)

VJ craig eee (Tokyo Gig Guide)

Details on Tokyo Gig Guide

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Monday 26 April 2010

Arakajime Kimerareta Koibitotachi E

by liza

Shibuya O-Nest was packed on Saturday for this "melodica-fronted psychedelic dub band" (as described by Metropolis) , and I don't think anyone was disappointed. These guys are truly original -- really intense, driving dub drum and bass, and layered over it is melodica and theremin improvisations. I have to admit, in the first half of their set, I worried that they were a bit one-note, but things got more complex and rewarding as their hour and a half moved on. They move seamlessly into psychedelic rock and noise -- no vocals per se, but some screaming in the noisier songs. The lights and visuals put me in this happy hypnotic state... I didn't want them to stop!

See them before they get too big! The full band doesn't have a Tokyo show scheduled at the moment (I don't think?) but looks like the melodica player will be at Sofla in Nakameguro on 4/28 (more of like a club night) and Daikanyama Loop on 5/20.

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Tuesday 13 April 2010

Japanese bands at SXSW

by liza

Finding new local acts to go see in Tokyo can be tough, at least for me, with the language barrier and being relatively new to the city. Popping into live houses randomly can be a bit like Russian roulette -- often a lot of fun but sometimes money gets thrown into a black pit of screeching Sex Pistol wannabe high schoolers.

So, English-language press on Japanese bands can be valuable to the linguistically challenged. I know it's a bit late, but the Japan Times had this article on Japanese bands at last month's South By Southwest festival in Austin. I thought I'd get the MySpace out for some investigating and hopefully try to catch someone interesting back in Tokyo.

The Okamoto's are featured in the article and you can definitely tell they worship The Ramones. I like their energy though and they seem like they'd be fun live. Shows coming up 4/18 at Shinjuku Loft, 5/13 Chiba Look and Shibuya O-Nest 6/13.

Red Bacteria Vacuum are a hardcore punk band and seem quite riot-grrl influenced and not cutesy. They're playing 4/24 at Shimokitazawa's Basement Bar with Bo-Peep, another punky all-female group (albeit more melodic) who said they played six times at SXSW.

The collective of psychedelic old-timers Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Paraiso UFO, whom the writer of the story said were awesome, are playing 5/14 at Goodman in Akihabara, and on 5/15 at Shinjuku Earthdom.

And finally, NPR's All Songs Considered talked about Camisama, who apparently made quite an impression with their "I am Hitler" ditty. A bit too art school and freaky for me but I imagine this twisted version of the White Stripes must have their fans. They're playing at Shinjuku Motion on 6/22.

I'm looking forward to seeing some new bands and always want recommendations!

Oh and on a different point -- what's up with "Japan Nite" at SXSW? I agree with Acid Mothers Temple on this... I don't like the idea of separating Japanese bands and condensing them into a stereotype for Japan geeks to worship; I think it hurts the bands' chances of being appreciated on their own merit. I'd like to see Japanese bands become successful in North America based on their music and live shows, not just because of their Japanese-ness. What do you think?


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Monday 12 April 2010

Tokyo Gig Guide presents FARM PARTY #2 on April 17

This Saturday, some great artists will be playing at Farm Party #2.

The gig will be held at the wonderful little Gamuso Gallery Chroma in Asagaya. It opens and starts at 7:00pm on April 17th. Entry is 1500yen which includes a drink.

The music will be from:

Akane Hosaka, playful melodies reminding you of early electronic music pioneers meeting Takako Minekawa in a toy shop. http://www.myspace.com/akanehosaka


Living Astro, mutant-pop/lounge/experimental/electronic duo from space utilising spooky samples, beats, and effects-drenched guitar and bass. http://www.myspace.com/livingastro


Abikyokan, multi-national, multi-instrumental avant-pop band drawing from a large range of influences. They will be playing as a 5-piece with guests Brendan (from Belgium Internet) and me. http://www.myspace.com/abikyokan


tsuma-saki, minimal, experimental electronic pop and toy project of singer Eri Makino. http://www.myspace.com/tsumasakimusic


Belgium Internet, British and darkly comic electro-pop performance art duo. http://www.myspace.com/belgiuminternet


DJ Timebred (Wild Mood Swings), eclectic tunes from the big party mood swinger.

dj/vj craig eee (Tokyo Gig Guide), worldwide underappreciated electronic, pop and psychedelic sounds. Chopped-up visuals.




Details:
On Tokyo Gig Guide
On Facebook

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