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 released in week 6 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
Hollow Suns – Free Fall
This week, the band Hollow Suns released the EP Free Fall, which is following up on their album Otherside in 2022. The band’s sound goes in the direction of guitar-driven alternative rock with post-hardcore elements. The Tokyo-based band started with activities ten years ago and started to self-release music while further developing their style, since a few years they released music via the labels Ice Grill$ and Sunday Drive Records. In addition to touring in Japan, the band has been touring in Canada and the United States. — Recommended by Francisca
鉄火 (TEKKA) – ゆうれい (Yuurei)
At the beginning of this year, on the 10th of January, the four musicians behind TEKKA introduced themselves to the world via social media with a band photo, marking the formation of this rock band. On the same day, TEKKA started with the release of their first single of their project where they released new music for three consecutive months. It is February, which means that they have just released their second single. Looking ahead, this four-piece rock band is gearing up for their first live performance, which is also immediately their very first solo show, slated for March. — Recommended by Francisca
毎晩揺れてスカート (Maiban Yurete Skirt) – ぼくたちは無傷だ (We Are Unharmed)
While attempting to pin down a suitable description for this band called Maiban Yurete Skirt (or Skirt swaying every night), it appears they’ve settled on the label of “new romantic hip-hop”, but expect the addition of pop, rock and alternative elements. Quite intriguing. Having formed in the summer of 2020, the real activities started in 2021, especially with their first release that got sold out fast, over the past year the band has been prolific in releasing singles. In March, they will release a mini-album. The band has entered the twelfth edition of Battle de egg music competition, where they are now trying to secure daily votes to advance in the competition. — Recommended by Francisca
愛はズボーン (I was born) – ひっかきまわす (Hikkaki Mawasu)
Formed in Osaka in 2011, the four musicians of I was born bring a playful and free-thinking approach to their music, characterised by philosophical lyrics and dynamic compositions. Their 4th new album MIRACLE MILK, incorporates various genres like rock, hip-hop, and techno with the themes of miracle, magical and chemical. Music may not be a miracle, magic, or chemistry, but it’s an art form that allows people to feel everything. They have been going strong for 13 years without any member changes and also organise the circuit festival アメ村天国 (Amemura Tengoku). — Recommended by Francisca
IX -NINE- – 空 (Ku)
Through a (now-defunct) website called Shattered Tranquility, I was introduced to this band, at the time the band talked about their first album (which was also a double album) NIRDVANDVA, which was released in 2016. Fast forward to this year, when they suddenly announced the release of a new single. It has been three years that there has been some activity surrounding the visual kei act IX -NINE-. The band’s newest single is a special release to celebrate the band’s ninth anniversary (and a nod towards the band’s name) weaving together elements from black metal to post-rock, visual kei and Japanese elements. — Recommended by Francisca
ザ・シスターズハイ (The Sisters High) – eんパす・iん・tHe・ルーむ (Empath in the room)
A spotlight has previously been placed on the work of The Sisters High, a four-piece neo-punk rock band from Niigata active since spring 2020, in the midst of the Covid pandemic. Not an entirely easy period to get started as a brand-new band, but The Sisters High have managed to make considerable strides with their music releases with a rock sound that is as roaring as it is eccentric. Last November, the band released a new single with two tracks, titled 弱電脳Magicaる (Weak cyber magical), for which a music video was produced for both songs. — Recommended by Francisca
Under Earth – Twilight
In December, the alternative rock band Under Earth (stylised as under Earth) unveiled their first mini-album, titled レンズ (Lens), serving as a follow-up to their single 楽園 (Rakuen), released in September last year, which was their first music in about two years. With over five years of activity under their belt, the three-piece rock band predominantly performs in their hometown of Shizuoka. Twilight can be found on the band’s first mini-album and the music video for this track has been independently produced. — 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.
