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 19 of the year 2022. Enjoy the new discoveries!
PULSEPHILIA – 行こうぜ (Ikouze)
This four-piece rock band with melodic punk influence hails from Osaka. Originally started in October 2020 under a different name, the name change to PULSEPHILIA was official a year later and released a self-titled 5-track EP in November of that year. Next June, we can expect a new EP titled PULSEPHILIAⅡ, another five-track release. — Recommended by Francisca
ZUMA – フリージア (Freesia)
For several months now, the singer-songwriter ZUMA has been releasing new music (videos) on a regular basis. Describing himself as ‘everyone’s boyfriend’, some will recognise him as the vocalist from the rock band ReVision of Sence whose band activities ceased last summer. How he is focusing on making music himself, which is quite a challenge as he has written in the description of this video. — Recommended by Francisca
AREINT – 理性的奴隷 (Risei-teki dorei)
Soon the four members of AREINT will celebrate the third anniversary of the pop-rock band with a one-man show at DRUM BE-1 in Fukuoka. With their first album, ROCK’N GIRL, in their back pocket, they have been going strong with live shows but also with several of their music videos. Definitely a band to keep an eye on. — Recommended by Francisca
パレットパレッツ (PalattePalettes) – イバラブルース (IbaraBlues)
The five-piece girl band PalattePalettes got formed in the summer of 2017. With the description of ‘individualistic girl rock that affirms negativity’, the Osaka-based band creates rock songs themed around the strengths, weaknesses and feelings of inferiority that are connected to being a woman backed with an interesting melody and beat. With several EPs and singles on their name, they already know how to make a good impression. — Recommended by Francisca
LINO LEIA – ランテルディ (L’INTERDIT)
LINO LEIA is an independent singer-songwriter and a DJ, she has been active solo since 2015 and made her debut with her first album CALLING in that same year, but she is also active in the unit TEXTURE of INSIDE. With a long history as a dancer, it is not surprising that she takes care of the choreography in her music videos and performances, as well as handling everything from music to video production. Soon she will release her second album. — Recommended by Francisca
おとなりアイニー (Otonari Ainy) – それだけのこと。(Soredake no koto.)
This three-piece rock band comes from Kyoto and is mainly active in the area. The band got formed in the summer of 2019 by vocalist and guitarist Haru, after a couple of line-up changes, the band is as it is now with bassist and vocalist Mikite and drummer Satomi Inokawara. In February 2021, Otonari Ainy released their first EP, which got followed up by a single later that year. — Recommended by Francisca
ガストバーナー (GAS and BURNER) – Give me Money
Let’s highlight the ‘dangerous ones’ GAS and BURNER once again as they are picking up steam to reach a wider audience with the release of their second mini-album, titled GoodLuck. The Nagoya-based four-piece started with activities in March 2020 and released their first mini-album within 6 months. Two singles and another mini-album later, they are now known for their catchy and chaotic 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.
