New column is here!
Aureole released a ton of videos for their new album Reincarnation, which was released last week. “Live Again” was easily my favorite, with its fluttering flutes and mystical sword warrior. But songs like “Pass the Past” and “Suicide” promises a seriously pretty album also.
Back for another dose!
Sakanaction is rocking out in traditional Japanese garb with a couple of geishas in front of oh powerful Mt. Fuji in this slow zoom-in video. In typical sakanaction fashion, the song explodes around the midway point when we start getting close-ups of the vocalist’s hilarious eye makeup. Another sakanaction single that will make you dance all night.
The heat wave is back!
Aniss & Lacanca is the side project of two of the prettiest singers in Japan, mmm and Mai Mishio from Uzumibi. “Aniss & Lacanca’s Theme” is a bit more cheery than their individual projects with the enthusiasm of a Broadway musical. It’s nice to see them goofy for a change dancing on a hillock with smiles so wide you can fit that windmill in their mouths. Click here for the more rocking “You’re Cool.”
Finally getting cool weather in Chicago. Let’s hope it lasts through the weekend!
Friends decided to get back together again to rerelease their debut record as Teen Runnings. “Make It Better” was on the original and remains a fun surf pop song with a complementary waves and beach party video courtesy of VIDEOTAPEMUSIC.
Here we go again!
Sawagi scores another point for the instrumental/post rock scene this month. “Kyakkya” brings Sawagi’s Korgs to outer space but it all sounds more like a trip to Disneyland in the end.
A new J-Rock Firdays for this rainy day.
On his first album, oono yuuki got tired of singing folk music and invited his friends over for a jam session. The resulting tracks were far and away the highlights of that album. He does the same on the first single off Tempestas, recruiting 8 of the brightest minds in Japan for this epic collaboration. If Yuuki would drop the solo act and form a real band with these guys they’d be a major force in the indie scene.
Fourteen new videos for your viewing pleasure. Pick a favorite or two.
Since the official version looks awful, here’s the viral video where they pretend to be a cover band covering their own song before it was even released. As you can tell from the “feat. ACO” bit, this is one of their vocal tracks, which have been better than their instrumentals as of late.
Here we go!
It was a sad day when The Brixton Academy quietly announced their disbandment earlier this year. Thankfully, it didn’t last long as most of the members announced they’d be back in Nile Long. “See Your Eyes” continues where TBA’s last EP L.O.T. left off, with an infectious melody and dance grooves.
Another round of wacky and zany music videos from Japan.
Bath time! Weird Byo no Shogeki is back with a sexy video although glasses gets the last laugh.
Happy Friday.
Mudy on the sakuban puts on a haunted house show for an unsuspecting couple. There’s a Sadako spoof from The Ring and probably more I’m not well versed in the horror genre. I think mudy is officially one of those bands we can count on for great videos.
J-Rock Explosion 