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anyuu-rizumu is an artist

April 11, 2010

It’s rare to see a musical artist excel in the art world, but anyuu-rizumu’s paintings are a sight to behold.  At first it reminded me of some of the Bloodthirsty Butchers album covers.  The art is abstract with a lot of reds, browns, and blues.  Every piece depicts a little girl or monster.  The music follows suite with somewhat creepy, often atmospheric soundscapes.  It may not sound as polished as the big name Tokyo acts, but fits the art well.

Below are a few pieces of his artwork, skillfully hotlinked from his myspace profile.  Tons more can be seen here.

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arcana arcade

April 6, 2010

myspace band of the week

I’m always on the lookout for good J-folk bands and arcana arcade fits the bill just fine.  The band consists of Seiji Suga, Satoko Moriyasu, and a dozen other support members on saxophone, flute, trumpet, etc.  They are influenced by 60s and 70s psychedelic and folk rock and hope to revive the “old but good” feeling.

The first three songs on myspace come from their upcoming album And Jersey.  The first song has a positive folk rock feeling and a lot of flute, while the second is on the sadder side of folk but exposes Satoko Moriyasu as a great vocalist.  “30/30” definitely has more of a hillbilly feel, but I’m loving the variety here.  “Starmine” is an older song that feels more shoegazey than folk.

If you enjoy bands like Turntable Films and 4  Bonjour’s Parties you’ll dig this band.  Arcana arcade is currently finishing their debut album, which they describe as “a curry well stewed with some citrus fruits, coffee, miso and bean jam.”  Honestly, who doesn‘t want to listen to that?

http://www.myspace.com/arcanaarcade

Download a free mp3 at bandcamp.

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J-Rock Fridays Vol. 17

April 2, 2010

It’s Good Friday.  Praise the Lord for J-rock.

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Posted in Ajisai, Her Name In Blood, J-Rock Fridays, Live Clean Stay Young, Nubo, Scars Borough, Sekai no Owari | 2 Comments »

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new Kamomekamome album in June

April 1, 2010

yep yep yep yep yep

Here’s something you never thought you’d see, Colonel Sanders and Ronald McDonald duking it out in a hardcore skramz band.  But where’s the Hamburglar?  The King? Kid Vid?  Unfortunately, this clip doesn’t zoom in enough on the other band members, so who knows.

KAMOMEKAMOME’s third album Happy Rebirthday to You comes out June 2.  Listen to more clips on myspace. Read the rest of this entry »

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kuh

March 29, 2010

myspace band of the week

I first discovered kuh through their cover of “Under the Sea” on the Disney Rocks!! compilation.  Seeing as it was one of maybe two tracks that didn’t make me feel homosexual, I decided it might be a good idea to check these guys out.

Surprisingly, they have a ton of songs up on myspace, mostly from their first album KY! Perhaps more of a surprise, they are signed to Captain Haus Recordings, home of GALLOW, polyABC, and other cool shit.  Considering their cover of “Under the Sea” was basically hipster electronica, I was expecting more of the same from this band.  But strangely most of the stuff on their first album is downer indie rock.  In fact, “J.U.N.O.” and “Tokio Nomad” from the catch one’s breath compilation are the only other hints of kuh’s electronic direction.  But overall I’m impressed by both their electronic and indie rocks tracks.  There is, however, one song named “水在月” that doesn’t fit the mold.  This song has a heavy post-rock vibe and I just love it. I expect good things from these guys in the future.

http://www.myspace.com/kuhtronica

Posted in kuh, myspace band of the week | 1 Comment »

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Melon Kinenbi x midori

March 29, 2010

It’s hard being a midori fan.  They don’t have a myspace page, rarely update their website, have their videos taken down on YouTube for copyright infringement the day after they’re uploaded, and in general are IMPOSSIBLE to find in a simple Google search.  So forgive me for being late on this.

When Melon Kinenbi announced their “graduation” from Hello! Project last March, they began releasing several strange singles with indie and punk bands.  Among these were “Don’t Say Goodbye” with Beat Crusaders and “sweet suicide summer story” with midori.  These singles were later collected and released as Melon’s Not Dead in February 2010, Melon Kinembi’s fourth and last album.

Although midori only appears in the first 15 seconds, with blurred out faces no less, their influence here is large.  Their signature bass, discordant piano, and general chaos is all in here.  And I assume that’s just because midori wrote the whole damn thing and Melon Kinembi is just playing karaoke.  Not that I mind former pop idols introducing the masses to good music, I would just like to hear Mariko Goto sing this sometime.

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The Hangovers- Balloon Costume

March 26, 2010

The song title promises balloons and costumes and that’s exactly what The Hangovers deliver in their latest video.  While The Hangovers play in a trendy record store, some guy in a pink cat suit prowls the streets of Tokyo.  I’m not sure why French subtitles are necessary, but at least it’s easy for guys like me to plug into into the translator.  “Balloon Costume” is a fun little pop rock song with just enough “dodododo’s”.  The Hangover’s second album the portable terminus. comes out April 14.

http://www.myspace.com/thehangoversjp

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The Crater

March 23, 2010

myspace band of the week

The Crater is a three-piece rock band from Setagaya.  Shinsuke Kikunaga and Shimose (ex-HiGE) formed the band in 2001, and Kana joined on bass in 2010.

The band’s website says they put out a few EPs, but I can’t find proof anywhere that these releases exist.  However, in the process I discovered a bad-ass looking Osamu Tezuka manga of the same name (ATTN Vertical Inc, I expect this on my bookshelf next year!).  Right now, The Crater has 10 songs up on myspace of varying quality, but I do like most of them.  Choice track: “I Love You”

http://www.myspace.com/thecraterjapan

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J-Rock Fridays Vol. 16

March 19, 2010

I’m kind of surprised how hard hit I was by Jun Seba’s death, but I still managed to check out a few new videos for you guys.

Northern19- “Smile For Peace”

Northern19 is back with another feel good punk-rock anthem.  Hits the spot with this warm weather we’ve been having.

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Posted in bloodthirsty butchers, cali≠gari, Guitar Panda, HiGE, Hondalady, J-Rock Fridays, mudy on the 昨晩, Northern19, Nujabes, RIFFNONEON, Shing02 | Leave a Comment »

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R.I.P. Jun Seba aka Nujabes

March 18, 2010

Long time friend and co-collaborator Shing02 has confirmed Jun Seba aka Nujabes’ death.  There is also an official statement in Japanese on the Hydeout Productions website.  Jun Seba passed away on February 26 after a fatal car accident.  He was 36 years old. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Nujabes, R.I.P., Shing02 | Leave a Comment »

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