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 44 of the year 2022. Enjoy the new discoveries!
Cazqui’s Brutal Orchestra – THE BUTTON EYES
Cazqui’s Brutal Orchestra is the moniker of the solo project by Cazqui, formerly active for NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST. After releasing the first digital single OSWALD at the end of 2019, demonstrating the guitarist’s collaboration with well-known figures from the metal scene, it was time for the next step. For the first music video, all current crew members of the orchestra have a place, seven man strong including Cazqui. The very first live show of this project with the current line-up will take place later this month. — Recommended by Francisca
ネオンと無重力 (Neon to Mujuuryoku) – ほしになれるなら (Hoshi ni Narerunara)
Three years after the formation of Neon to Mujuuryoku (which can also be read as Neon and Zero Gravity) we can finally look forward to the release of the very first album by the pop group, entitled ebb and flow. The four-piece already has an interesting discography with several singles and an EP, creating their own worldview with colourful ‘urban neon’ music. — Recommended by Francisca
IRIS MONDO – 比と並 (Hi to Nami)
Kurumi Skywalker and Super Sattan are behind the electro-pop-rock outfit IRIS MONDO. The duo creates everything on their own, including the music and the artworks. They are constantly delving deeper into their own music and looking for new worlds to explore. Their music has origins in alternative rock and synth-pop, frequently fusing genres with everything from psychedelic and ambient to retro pop and hip-hop. — Recommended by Francisca
The Broken TV – White Snake Come On
With the band members being described as TV channels, every member is a different channel, and their activities described as broadcasting, The Broken TV could well work with interesting and colourful programming of alternative music. The very first album of the five-piece just got released, Candle Light Candle Heat, a concept album filled with a 90s sound, 80s culture lyrics and a ‘zapping system’ where everyone is the main vocalist. — Recommended by Francisca
For Tracy Hyde – Milkshake
It seems like December is a fantastic month for new music so close to the end of the year, and there is no exception for the five-piece band For Tracy Hyde. A new album, Hotel Insomnia, is scheduled to be released soon, almost two years after the release of the concept album Ethernity. With shoegaze and dream pop at its foundation and influences from around the world, the band has been around for ten years and produces music that brings colour to everyday life. — Recommended by Francisca
amanojac – 夢で逢わせて (Yume de Awa Sete)
The winter of 2019 saw the formation of the three-piece rock group amanojac with Nagoya being their home base. From the very beginning, they were able to connect with a broad audience because of their songs’ powerful (guitar) sounds, twin vocals, and life-sized lyrics. Coming December, the trio will release their debut EP, titled me. (including the dot), through TONIGHT RECORDS. — Recommended by Francisca
SABLE HILLS – The Eternal
For their latest music video, melodic metalcore band SABLE HILLS used footage from their live performances, moments from after the show and scenery from their first European tour. This tour took place in August of this year, with shows at festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Brutal Assualt and Summerblast Festival. A nice way to document the memories of the band’s adventure in Europe. The four-piece released their second full-length album DUALITY, which includes the song The Eternal, was released in June. — 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.
