With a large music industry such as Japan has, second largest in the world, it is inevitable that music fans will be inundated with a profusion of good (and also less good) music from this country. It is impossible to keep track of this and write a review about it per video. But to avoid missing out on gems, it is time for a weekly list of new music videos from lesser-known Japanese musical acts that are definitely worth watching. We are now looking back on a couple of videos that were released in week 52 of the year 2020. Enjoy the new discoveries!
KenCove – Youth of Gold
In 2019, singer-songwriter and multi-artist KenCove decided to focus on working as a solo artist after being active as vocalist and guitarist in the loud rock band Several Calamities. In de spring of 2020, he produced his first songs such as Still and Flame. Youth of Gold is his debut through indie label Zankyo Record. Influenced by bands like Nirvana, Linkin Park, B’z, Utada Hikaru en Joe Hisaishi, he wants to be an active voice for young people. — Recommended by Francisca
Discharming man – Discharming man
After the disbandment of his former band, vocalist Keita Ebina decided to start a solo project under the denominator Discharming man, this gradually shifted into a full band. Now consisting of four band members, the Hokkaido-based rock band recently released their fourth album, titled POLE & AURORA. It is their first full-length release with the current band line-up. — Recommended by Francisca
Yorimichi – ハッピーエンド (Happy End)
Yorimichi are a four-piece band based in the city of Morioka. They are influenced by various music genres like post-rock, math-rock and shoegazer. The band started in 2016 by Kyoya and Miu Izumida, who are brother and sister. This September, the band released their first mini-album, S.A.M., which can be now listened to digitally since Christmas. — Recommended by Francisca
ANABANTFULLS – 大人になれよ (Otona ni nare yo)
Until the end of September, ANABANTFULLS were a four-piece, but at the moment they are rocking as a trio. With the latest song, officially planned for release in January, the groovy rock band shows what they are good at. Heavy riffs, hard-hitting beats and an overflow of melody. The band has been active since 2013 and has two albums on their name. — Recommended by Francisca
Hecatoncheir sisters – それでも (Soredemo)
After months of working on new music mostly at home, because of the pandemic, Osaka-based rock band Hecatoncheir sisters decided to stand side by side again. This song is the last song that they composed and arranged while voluntary refraining themselves from outdoor activities. Although with that release, also comes a farewell of one of the members, they are still certain to keep on going with the band activities. The show must go on. — Recommended by Francisca
Alstroemeria – 夜空 (Yozora)
Named after a flower, Alstroemeria are based in the city Toyohashi and got formed in the winter of 2018. The guitar rock band consists of three members and has put out a couple of demos and seemed to catch a lot of attention with it. Especially after they won the September edition of the RO JACK for COUNTDOWN JAPAN20/21 competition (although the COUNTDOWN event is now cancelled). In January they will put out their first album with 10 tracks. — Recommended by Francisca
Charmant coco – 退屈を迎えに (Taikutsu o mukae ni)
This year was the 10th anniversary for the Osaka-based band Charmant coco, it was also the year for the duo to release their first album filled with older and newer songs but also tracks that are popular during their live performances. The two musicians like to make different kinds of songs for the listener to find out their favourite song. A lot can be found back on their YouTube channel and streaming services. — Recommended by Francisca
Next week we will be back for a new list of new music videos to check out. But you can also look back to the earlier editions of this weekly article series for when you yearn for more musical gems!
