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 21 of the year 2022. Enjoy the new discoveries!
Alcal Call – 水槽 (Suisou)
The first EP of alternative rock band Alcal Call, titled トートロジー (Tautology), was released in March of this year. The Tokyo-based three-piece just only seems to have started activities in 2021, and apart from the EP, they have released a single and joined a compilation album. The music they produce is recognisable by its lyrical, post-rock-based alternative sound with high-pitched vocals, screams and complex drums. — Recommended by Francisca
NIKO NIKO TAN TAN – The Dawn
This creative mixture collective, not an unfamiliar name to AVO Magazine, consists of two performing artists, Ochan and Anabebe, and two artwork artists, Samson Lee and Drug Store Cowboy. Focusing on the combination of voice, hypnotic and immersive melodies, lyricism, graphics, and producing music and videos on the same axis has resulted in building the intriguing world that is NIKO NIKO TAN TAN. — Recommended by Francisca
TYTW – Smile
This in 2018 formed alternative rock band from Koga is influenced by grunge and shoegazer and consists of guitarist and vocalist bobtomato (ex-Vulpes Vulpes Schrencki), bassist and vocalist OASIS and drummer GAWARA. Last year, when we wrote about this band, we weren’t sure about the meaning of the band name TYTW, but after the release of their second single Youth Youth, we finally know the answer: Thirsty Youth Throat Wired. — Recommended by Francisca
AMANOJAKU – フィクション (Fiction)
If you enjoy some fast rock music, then you might want to check out the music of AMANOJAKU. This Osaka-based (but according to their bio also Tokyo-based) band was formed in the autumn of 2006, with the current band line-up being consistent since 2013. After releasing their first EP earlier this year, the three-piece has released their second EP, titled フィクション ep (Fiction ep). The music they play, which they call Setsuna Rock, is known for explosive performances, with superb melodies and sad lyrics over a vigorous beat. — Recommended by Francisca
千紗子と純太 (Chisako & Junta) – こんなん (Difficulty)
As you notice, the music is mostly focused on the vocals with almost minimal music to create an intriguing atmosphere. The Osaka based pop music unit consists of the duo “Chisako” (real name MTG, the vocalist), a member of CASIO Toruko Onsen and “Junta” (real name BIOMAN), a DJ, designer and synthesizer player in the group Neco Nemuru and in Chisako & Junta he is in charge of composition and visual design. In 2018, they released their first album, 千紗子と純太と君 (Chisako to Junta to Kimi), which was followed up by a single and EP in 2020. — Recommended by Francisca
Hueye – FOE
Formed in the winter of 2019 as Hueye, the visual kei band originally started as a session group a year earlier before becoming a full-fledged band. The four band members of rock band recently welcomed a fifth member, ex-Mamireta guitarist Ryusei, and celebrated their 3rd anniversary with a free one-man show at Spotify O-WEST only a few days ago. They have released several singles and a mini-album and it is now waiting for maybe an album? — Recommended by Francisca
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kEuJryz0p0
THE DEVIL’S KILLING MERRY-GO-ROUND – ディアボロス (DIABOROS)
In for a rollercoaster ride? The musicians Michelle Noir (ex-NECRONOMIDOL) and Laguna Roku (ex-LAST IN MY CULT) have joined hands to form a totally new idol unit with the long name THE DEVIL’S KILLING MERRY-GO-ROUND with the concept art x gothic x hip-hop. While they have their debut live show scheduled in a few weeks, they have presented their first music video to get the public pumped up and show what they are capable of, in which they have gone all out in terms of dark aesthetics. — 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.
