It’s a “fine day” to try on hundreds of pairs of clothes with Czecho No Republic. Mai Takahashi’s role in CNR has been minimal since she joined last year, but her first lead vocal song is stunning. The song original appeared in shortened form as the bonus track on their Ivory single and I hope they let her sing more tracks on their next album. She’s too good for backup!
kataomoi- “Daily Disco”
Something funky is going on in kataomoi’s new video..the entire band was replaced by random black people! It’s hard to say anything else without sounding racist, but it is a humorous, good natured video starring guys that obviously have more rhythm than the actual band.
Crossfaith- “Eclipse”
In Japan, it’s illegal to dance after 1am. It’s a good thing Crossfaith’s international fanbase has grown exponentially over the past year. Wherever “Eclipse” was filmed, you know Crossfaith will throw a hardcore party.
Did I really write 100 of these things? Thanks for sticking around these past four years and I hope you continue to enjoy it.
andymori- “Neverland”
In a few short months, andymori will be gone forever, so they might as well start pumping out those musicvideosnow. “Neverland” is presented as a short film, and tells the story of adult size Peter Pan. While Captain Hook adjusts to the corporate life, Pan continues on his childish exploits even after losing the ability to fly. All it takes is a child to believe in him!
sakanaction- “Inori (Extended Mix)”
In case you’ve only been keeping up with sakanaction through their singles, they’ve been including one track over their past few albums that is much more dance than rock. “Inori” is from this year’s self titled album and is being released as an extended mix on vinyl. This may be a boring black and white video with the band standing around with their Macbooks, but I assure you this is one for the clubs!
Czecho No Republic- 「１人のワルツ」
Czecho No Republic heads to the country for the second video off their Tower Records exclusive single. They meet some llamas and ostriches but mostly sing and dance all happy like in the park.
Primetime 99. Only one more column until we hit triple digits!
Language- “Hikari”
It’s the end of the world and only two people are left alive! It’s easy to forget that this is a video about the undead apocalypse once the gorgeous vocals of “Hikari” fade in and the girl wanders off into rural Japan, but the lovers’ tragic fate is just as beautiful as everything before it.
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra- “Diamond In Your Heart feat. Takeshi Hosomi”
Long-running Japanese ska band Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, who I just found out played Coachella a couple of months ago, has teamed up with the HIATUS’ Tekeshi Hosomi for their latest single. It’s the kind of positive song Hosomi used to sing back in Ellegarden, but with a with a lot of great horns in the background.
SOIL&”PIMP”SESSIONS and Shiina Ringo- “Koroshiya Kiki Ippatsu”
Two epic J-Rock collaborations in one week! Shiina Ringo is free to do as she pleases now that Tokyo Jihen is done and here she is jazzing it up with the SOIL&”PIMP” boys on a boat. Everyone’s an assassin and we might not make it to dinner in the captain’s quarters.
What better way to start the month of November than with a brand new PV from The Novembers? Another solid shoegazy track from the band and a cool video with a dancing gypsy while the boys admire and give their best Twilight poses in the woods.
Czecho No Republic- “Ivory”
CNR’s korg is set to accordion, which gives “Ivory” a cozy, wintery feel. They also have a new band member who shakes a tambourine and just stands around looking pretty. Eye candy!
Yutaka Furukawa- “Beast”
Doping Panda was epic dance rock, but now that they’re broken up frontman Yutaka Furukawa is rocking with multiple versions of himself. Because this sounds like just another fun Doping Panda single, we’re excited for his solo album due out next year.
There’s a lot to go through this week so let’s! get! it! started!
THE Dakishimeruzu- “I wanna be your boyfriend”
THE Dakishimeruzu is not afraid to thrash around in the mud. Let’s just get dirty and have fun. Their second album was released last November, so this extra long PV is a good reminder to check it out.
The final track off Czecho No Republic’s single Casually ショートバケーション has finally been given a PV. Except this time it’s associated with Czecho No Republic’s debut album Maminka! The album will be released October 5 and contains 12 songs including ショートバケーション and “Don’t Cry, Forest Boy” (videos below). Preorder is up at CD Japan. You know I will.
I discovered Czecho No Republic’s new YouTube page too late for last week’s J-Rock Fridays, but it would’ve been tough to pick just one PV. They’ve uploaded three new videos from their new single/EP Casually, which was released early June. “Don’t Cry, Forest Boy” and “Massachusetts” are two of the strongest indie singles of the year, on par with Gellers and Comeback My Daughters. And the tropical “P.I.C Guam” (All I want is a pint of bear. A pint of beer!) is just goofy fun. There is a fourth song on this single (not named “Casually,”oddly enough), that didn’t get a video. Maybe next time. Casually is available now at CD Japan and Play-Asia.
Czecho No Republic hails from Tokyo, not Czechoslovakia like my great-grandparents. Two of the three band members played in The Mirraz before the Quattro boys stepped in. They formed in March 2010 and just released their first CD Erectionary sold exclusively at Tower Records.
Most of the songs on Czecho No Republic’s myspace are demos. They have a stripped down acoustic quality, almost tropical, which may explain why the demo CD cover has the band members hanging from their necks on a palm tree. “Call Her” from Erectionary, though, has a fun pop hook and “Goodbye” brings them closer to indie-pop territory. Tropical or not, this trio will be making waves in the indie scene.
J-Rock Explosion 