On the first of what promises to be a series of events celebrating J-Rock, three very different performers convene to illustrate what a deep and varied musical heritage Japan has. London’s Hope & Anchor might not be the prettiest venue, but it simply drips history and the basement space makes the perfect frame for tonight’s performance.
AINAKANNA + Dirty Mojo Project + JERO11
The Hope & Anchor, London, 29.10.2023
On his website JERO11 describes himself as an “overexcited soloist” and that’s a pretty apt description. From the moment he takes to the stage, he is a ball of energy, and his zest is contagious and seems to infect all present. By the time we hit the second track The Evil Master, JERO11 is firmly in the groove as he shreds wildly to a backing track. His mastery of the guitar is enough to make any beginner throw down their six-string in exasperation because JERO11 displays a rare talent that only a few possess. Heavily influenced by traditional Japanese instrumentation, his style has a definite east meets west thing going on, and no more so than when he picks up a (home made!) shamisen and proves himself equally adept on that instrument too. JERO11 turns in a good natured performance and the sheer joie de vivre he radiates sets just the right tone for the rest of the evening.
The Anglo-Japanese Dirty Mojo Project offer a striking change of pace, yet they’re no less arresting. There’s a definite ‘60s beat vibe to their aesthetic and just like the very best power trios (think Cream and the Hendrix Experience) they create a sound that’s far bigger than their constituent parts. Dirty Mojo Project have a sound which stomps like the proverbial Iron Man, and they certainly put their own stamp on a cover of Money (That’s What I Want) (originally a hit for Barrett Strong, later made famous by The Beatles). As all cover versions should be handled, they break it down and then rebuild it in their own image, and subsequently it becomes a mean and moody beast. Tracks such as Yer Blues and Sweet Cake evidence a tight unit with a bassist/vocalist looking every inch the star in platform boots, a guitarist who plays like a young Jimmy Page and a drummer/vocalist keeping impeccable time. A band who should definitely be on your watch list; they’re certainly on mine.
AINAKANNA were due to tour the UK a few years ago, but then came the global pandemic to scupper their plans. Looking to reschedule those dates, the band put a call out on Instagram, and it was answered by JERO11 who made this evening happen. Just like JERO11, AINAKANNA are another act powered by boundless energy and they hit the stage like a raging tornado. Featuring just drums and keyboards, they remind me of a Japanese version of Chas & Dave (but less sweaty, and better looking) and they play with a similar chutzpah. In fact, imagine Margarita Pracatan jamming with Jerry Lee Lewis and you’d have something approaching this pair. They are a riotous carnival of sight and sound that fractures good vibes in every direction and it doesn’t take long for those assembled stage front to go a little crazy (but in the nicest way). The band have a deep discography, so there’s a lot of ground to cover, and no time to waste as they fire off their songs in quick succession. In a nice piece of symmetry, JERO11 joins AINAKANNA for their set finale to add some guitar wizardry to proceedings; there’s a few technical issues which means his guitar isn’t always audible, yet nothing can mar this magical evening and AINAKANNA are rewarded with rapt applause.
Showcasing new and established talent, tonight has been a triumph in every sense, and I personally can’t wait for the next instalment.
