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 35 of the year 2021. Enjoy the new discoveries!
Re:O – GUILD
Singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Re:O started her dark pop solo project in 2020. Since releasing her first songs, she seems to have been able to reach an international audience. The Tokyo-based musician released her single GUILD in the spring of this year, but later decided to attach a music video to it. Read the interview AVO Magazine had with Re:O. — Recommended by Francisca
猫を堕ろす (Neko wo Orosu) – ときめきリサーチ200X (Tokimeki Research 200X)
Originally from Nagoya, but currently based in Tokyo, Neko wo Orosu are a three-piece alternative pop band that produces songs with a cynical twist. The band has been active since 2013 and has several releases to their name. In October, they will release a record with ten tracks, titled CLOUD ALBUM. — Recommended by Francisca
SASORI – Dolphin (Telepath edit)
The three members of the experimental pop band SASORI have been toying with the concept of when anyone could use psychic powers. This has started to grow thanks to, or rather, despite the difficult times we find ourselves in now. SASORI’s upcoming EP, titled Ultrasense, contains five tracks with these feelings regarding the concept, also changing the approach of this band’s sound. — Recommended by Francisca
Subana − WORLD IS MINE
WORLD IS MINE is the title of the second single by the Takasaki-based band Subana. The guitar rock band, formed in autumn 2018, consists of four members and is centred around Naoki Kurihara, who, in addition to being the band’s guitarist and singer, is also the writer and composer of all the songs Subana releases. — Recommended by Francisca
THE SUMMER ENDS – 夢の続き (Yume no tsudzuki)
THE SUMMER ENDS is the name of a rock band from Atsugi formed in the winter of 2019. The band consists of three members in their twenties and to date, they have released four music videos, a single and an EP, which was fittingly titled LONG SUMMER GOODBYE. This band had to be shared because of the fact that the summer has ended (meteorologically speaking) and the song evokes nostalgia (of the summer?). — Recommended by Francisca
仮病 (Kebyo) – PARADE
Tokyo-based Visual Kei band Kebyo officially started its activities in the winter of 2016. To celebrate the release of Kebyo’s latest single, PARADE, the band decided to put all their releases so far on streaming services. In addition to this band, all band members also collaborate with each other on a variety of music projects, so as you begin to dive into Kebyo’s music, expect to enjoy more musical facets of these band members. — Recommended by Francisca
THE SHEGLAPES – SEIREN
Formed in 2016, the heavy metal band THE SHEGLAPES officially started its activities in January 2017. After releasing their first single in 2018 and mini-album in 2019, they released a couple more singles in 2019. It was finally in this year, that the band released their first album, SEIREN. They also recently have released a single collection. The band members have been active in the indie scene and have different backgrounds, which makes it possible to bring different aspects into the music. — 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.
