Ah November. The time of the year when releases begin to trickle down along with my willingness to blog about them. But there’s still some good stuff coming out
Kimonos- Kimonos
Kimonos is the side project of Leo Imai and the Zazen Boys’ Shutoku Mukai. The fact that their names rhyme is coincidence. So far Kimonos have put out two singles. “Almost Human” has more of a laid back rock sound while “Soundtrack to Murder” is a little out there. They describe the album as futuristic and nostalgic, a “fitting soundtrack to the manic intensity of Tokyo City.” (myspace)
The Brixton Academy- L.O.T
Spoiler alert! TBA’s 80s tinged debut album Vivid will probably top my end of the year list. But it was a bit on the short side so they’ll be releasing this 3-track EP to end the year. It took a bit of sleuthing to find this as the band still hasn’t “announced” it yet. Both listings I found list L.O.T. as a 2-disc release, so I would expect a DVD with a PV or two. (myspace)
noughts and exes- The Start Of Us
Just when I thought I’d never hear this, they posted a bandcamp link on their Facebook last night. Noughts and exes is a Hong Kong indie-rock band led by Joshua Wong of Whence He Came. Their sophomore album boasts a new lineup and was produced by Martijn Groeneveld—the same guy who does buddhistson! (myspace)
Detroit Metal City 
Amai, Amai, Amai, Amai, ko-i-bi-to. Detroit Metal City is finally available on DVD in the US! Grab a copy and cuddle up with your sweet sweet lover and a plate of cheese tarts. DMC is the tale of one Soichi Negishi who longs to create Swedish pop music but spends his nights as the emperor of death metal. He’s kind of a mental case. But hilarious! And yes, that’s Kenichi Matsuyama, the guy that plays L on Death Note.
Buy Kimonos @ CD Japan, Jet Set, Play-Asia
Buy L.O.T. @ CD Japan, Jet Set
Buy The Start Of Us @ bandcamp, their website
Buy Detroit Metal City @ Amazon.com, RightStuf
Secondary Excitement
about tess- Song of the Bird: One of the first bands signed to world’s end girlfriend’s label Virgin Babylon and now their second release. Song of the Bird is a 74-minute track told in four acts that reveals the journey of a bird. (myspace) Buy @ CD Japan, Unsupermarket
Crystal Lake- Into The Great Beyond: Does this album have great cover art or what? (myspace) Buy @ Big Cartel, CD Japan
dustbox- Starbow: Thus marks 10 years of punk rock with dustbox. Both singles so far have bored me but they can pull an album out of their ass by now. (myspace) Buy @ CD Japan
Fear, And Loathing In Las Vegas- Dance & Scream: At this point I think I like them more for their name. They would be a hit with the Hot Topic crowd. (myspace)
Kaji Hideki and Riddim Saunter- Teens Film: Hey, it’s the guy who sang “Amai Koibito”! And he recorded an album with Riddim Saunter! Buy @ CD Japan
Man With A Mission- Welcome To The New World: MWAM won me over with their awesome wolf masks and their occasionally dancey tunes. (myspace) Buy @ CD Japan
Meaning- Brave New World: The drummer from Ellegarden joined a hardcore band? And they want to fuck the world? (myspace) Buy @ CD Japan
Perfume- Ne: It’s a sad state of affairs when Nakata puts more effort in Perfume than his own group. Buy @ CD Japan, Play-Asia
sleepy.ab- Kakurenbo: New single…enough said? (myspace) Buy @ CD Japan, Play-Asia
J-Rock Explosion 