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 48 of the year 2022. Enjoy the new discoveries!
鍵を返せ (Kagi wo Kaese) – 満足かい (Manzokukai)
Based in Hiroshima, the four-piece alternative pop band Kagi wo Kaese (meaning: return the key) started full-fledged activities in 2020. Due to the pandemic, they have been focused on being active on YouTube and it has paid off. They have recently released their second EP, 他人事 (Taningoto), influenced by various musical genres from pop to rock, jazz funk and dance. — Recommended by Francisca
永原真夏 (Manatsu Nagahara) – 片目のロックスター (One Eyed Rock Star)
After playing in bands since she was in high school, Manatsu Nagahara decided in summer 2015 to pursue the path as a solo artist in addition to her activities as a singer in SEBASTIAN X and in the piano unit OTOSHIBA. Last year, she established her own music label, G.O.D. Records. She is known for her live performances, powerful singing voice, and innocent character. In early November, she released her second album, titled imagination. — Recommended by Francisca
yahyel – Highway
It’s been four years since we heard new music from Tokyo-based electro unit yahyel, but now after a break since their last concert in 2020, we can enjoy their latest single Highway. By fusing delicate lyrics with dark soundscapes, Yahyel paint potent portraits of life that are laced with both dystopian imagery and piercing honesty. As a result, their music gets categorised as “Dystopian Pop”, in addition, the four band members have also called themselves a “cyberpunk band” in the past, living like the gang from the anime Akira. — Recommended by Francisca
赤いくらげ (Akai Kurage) – ドリップ (Drip)
The best way to define Akai Kurage would be as a psychedelic new wave pop art rock band. A mouthful, but sometimes it is needed to give an idea of what you can expect. The band got formed in the spring of 2014 and in November of this year, the three-piece released their third album, ラッキーアイテム (Lucky Item). The solid chemistry between the guitar, bass, and drums helps them to sound powerful as a trio, but it’s also important to not ignore the ravenous vocals. — Recommended by Francisca
UZMK – NEW WORLD
Osaka-based mixture band UZMK recently joined indie label TWILIGHT RECORDS and followed this up with a digital EP, NEW WORLD. What you can expect from this five-piece band is that they combine music genres such as rock, punk and hip-hop with other elements such as digital and street culture. Previously the band was active as UZUMAKI, but in 2014, they switched things up and worked in their way under their current name. — Recommended by Francisca
Howling way – 人の子のため (Hito no Ko no Tame)
Time to howl on the music by the band Howling way, through a megaphone, while walking through the city. Coming 8th of January in 2023, they will release their very first mini-album Feet, after being formed just one year ago. The four-piece rock band is based in Nagano and their mission is to howl their music to the world. — Recommended by Francisca
Eversolitude – 過日の影を踏む (Beyond Causality)
After Eversolitude had undergone several transformations, from a name change (formerly SOLITUDE A SLEEPLESS NIGHTS) to finding a new vocalist last year, it seems that the five-piece has picked up steam with the release of the EP called SLOWLYCOLLAPSE. They produce music that can be categorised as post-hardcore, math, prog, post-rock, and swancore, among others. — 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.
