With a large music industry such as Japan has, the 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 15 of the year 2022. Enjoy the new discoveries!
Mississippi Khaki Hair – Seven
After releasing the EP Tokyo in November, it was time for Mississippi Khaki Hair to release another EP, this time it is titled Seven. It gives a clear picture of what the alternative rock band is doing, producing new music to go in different directions with their music, switching between post-punk, new wave and shoegaze. The five-piece formation has been active for more than five years and doesn’t seem to want to slow down. — Recommended by Francisca
VERANPARADE – FRIENDS
It was the summer of 2013 when this alternative rock band from Miyazaki was formed by at that time four members. Currently active as a three-piece with several releases to their name. Recently they released a music video in honour of the live stage Miyazaki SR BOX that closed its doors after 20 years last March, backed by a song filled with nostalgia. — Recommended by Francisca
EVE OF THE LAIN – NIGHT DANCER
After releasing a couple of singles, an EP and a mini-album, EVE OF THE LAIN released a new EP earlier this week, titled HUMANISM. The Osaka-based rock band has undergone some line-up changes and currently consists of two members, namely vocalist and guitarist Kohei and guitarist Iwane. The duo base the music on guitar rock and the powerful singing voice of Kohei. — Recommended by Francisca
THE STEPHANIES – Teenage Crunch
After announcing a new band line-up – from now on they are active as a four-piece – rock band THE STEPHANIES also came through with new music for the first time in two years, a digital single to which this music video is attached. The music they create is rooted in rock and roll, and consists of many chorus work, tight rhythms, and powerful vocals. — Recommended by Francisca
リスキーシフト (Risky Shift) – 2002
The Tokyo-based rock band Risky Shift has been highlighted before on AVO Magazine, at that time they had just released a single and their first music video. That single brought a lot of attention to the band, which continued to buzz during their performance at the Shimokitazawa track event KNOCKOUT FES 2021 in the same year. Right now the four-piece formation has a mini-album added to their discography and 2002 is one of the tracks that you can find on it. — Recommended by Francisca
XANVALA – ケ・セラ・セラ (Que Sera Sera)
The five-piece band XANVALA recently celebrated the 2nd anniversary of the band and last February, the alt-rockers released their first full-length album, titled 月と太陽 (Tsuki to Taiyou). Their music features a heavy yet melodic sound, in conjunction with dynamic guitar riffs, electronic backings, and striking vocal lines. — Recommended by Francisca
Koldwaltz – Softkill
Previously this alternative rock band was active under the name Hielo, but since the end of February this year the five-piece band has been active under the name Koldwaltz with roots in the alternative sound of the 90s – such as grunge, post-rock but also (Japanese) classical music – under the theme of horror and suspense. Last month the EP Wilhelm Cantata was released with five tracks. — 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! Want to read more about how this project started or check out the YouTube playlists? Click here for all the information.
