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 selection of videos that were released in week 9 of 2023. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
Looprider – Epsilon
A new album is on its way for the Tokyo-based rock band Looprider, titled Metamorphose, set for release on 7 April through Call And Response Records, which features songs they recorded in 2021 and 2022. Last year, the band contributed the song Red for the Adult Swim Japan is Loud compilation, which also consisted of songs from prominent names such as Boris, Melt-Banana, and Otoboke Beaver. This song can also be found on the forthcoming album. Formed in 2013, the band consists of a trio with drums and two guitars, and they make music with a mix of metal, shoegaze, noise, post-rock and hardcore. — Recommended by Francisca
CRYAMY – 世界 (Sekai)
Formed in 2017 by vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Kawano, the four-piece alternative rock band never felt the need to join a label or management from the start, deciding to start their own label, NINE POINT EIGHT, only in 2020. Since then, CRYAMY has already released 10 releases under this label, including their very first album, CRYAMY (red album). Now they have arrived at their very first maxi-single, FCKE. It is impressive to see how a band grows, becomes more famous over the years and is still full of creativity. It will be interesting to see what CRYAMY will bring next to the crowd. — Recommended by Francisca
SPOILMAN – Fantastic Car Sex
The activities of the Tokyo-based alternative/grunge band SPOILMAN started somewhere in 2019, with heavy influences by the US band The Jesus Lizard and based on noise rock and post-hardcore. To date, they have been producing albums at a high speed, BODY in 2020, SOLID GREEN in 2021, and HARMONY in 2022. This year, they have completed two albums, titled UNDERTOW and COMBER, which they want to simultaneously release on vinyl (what will happen thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign). — Recommended by Francisca
梵 (Soyogi) – LANDSCAPE
Previously operating as TIME PARADOX but active as Soyogi since November 2022, the rock band hails from the town of Hikone (to be found in Shiga prefecture, a port city by Lake Biwa). The four-piece band seems to have simply picked up where they left off in late 2021 under the previous name, but has now released some new, the first-ever music video under the current band name and with the current band line-up, to show where they are now. Keep an eye on this band! — Recommended by Francisca
Vanityyy – NEVERTUAL
Vanityyy’s new single is a double-A release for the songs NEVERTUAL, which received the music video below, and カラス鳴く (Karasu naku). The three-piece is known for their straightforwardness and catchy punk rock music with a bit of nostalgia. The Tokyo-based band has been active since 2006 and the current lineup has been together since 2018. Looking at the lyrics and music video, this song seems to be about perseverance when something doesn’t go as planned, it really does feel like an upbeat song with a lot of green (which is the colour of the band). The band will complete their Japan tour in a few days to promote their album ンタルジェットコースター (Mental Roller Coaster), which is where the new single is available. — Recommended by Francisca
the dim Island – Aiden
The alternative five-piece the dim Island’s first mini-album, Public Dawn, was released this week. The alternative rock band formed in the spring of 2020, right in the midst of the pandemic. Since then, they have released several singles, an EP and now a mini-album. It looks like the band is focusing mainly on performing in the Tokyo indie scene, which of course is not easy in a metropolis with so many concerts every day, but it is good to see a new music video from this band. We are very curious to know what this band’s next steps will be. — Recommended by Francisca
Faulieu. – アイビー (Ivy)
This pop-rock band was formed by vocalist and guitarist Canaco and drummer Mimori, under the name fleufleu. The group became a four-piece and was active from 2015 until the end of January this year, when the four-member band decided to leave their agency. With the same lineup, they made their official debut this month as the band Faulieu. For the band name, the band blended a few French words that they found inspiring and fitting for their wish that they can connect with the fans. This is their first new song which is a great way of a new beginning. — 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.
