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 9 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
The Monday Morning Blue – mailbox
Not the Monday morning blues, which some people experience at the beginning of the workweek, but The Monday Morning Blue, an alternative rock band from Chiba that is rather surrounded by mystery. The band first seemed to be a three-member band and now a duo, although it is unclear whether that is current information since the band is not that active on social media. What is definitely certain is that this rock band is still making music, including music videos and you can check out most of their music on major streaming services. — Recommended by Francisca
CARAMEL CANDiD – 短編小説 (Tampen Shosetsu)
Described as a four-piece girls’ band from the Country of Sweets, created at a caramel factory and active in Tokyo, this band seems to have attracted quite a bit of attention in the short time that they have been active. In May of 2023, they released their first song and music video, which was followed up by their first live performance in the summer of the same year. Within six months, they were introduced in a programme on J-WAVE, which could mean they are doing something right with their ‘caramel’ rock tunes filled with their clever recipe of bitter lyrics and sweet vocals. Curious to see what 2024 will bring this band. — Recommended by Francisca
Necozeneco – Calm
Just at the tail end of February, alternative rock band Necozeneco (styled as necozeneco) dropped an album titled 0. It is their very first full-length album released by the four-member rock band after the formation of the band in 2013. The band’s adventure began with a strong emphasis on songwriting. Then in 2019, an interesting development for the band emerged when drummer Yutata joined the rock band. This was the beginning of a significant evolution for Necozeneco where their sound expanded and new depth was injected into their music while their catchy pop melodies never went away. — Recommended by Francisca
Nu:ll – 人間 (Human)
This music project doesn’t seem to have been active for longer than a half year, when Nu:ll shared the first music video for おはよ (Ohayo). From what can be found about this project, they produce pop music with here and there inspiration from other music genres from all over the world, and the vocalist is called HIZIRI, while the music is done by Johann and the mix by Kamiya Tatsuki. All in all, this project seems to have a focus on the music and not the musicians behind it. An excerpt from Naoki Matayoshi’s book of the same title, published in 2019, can be found in the video description of the music video, it seems to be the inspiration for the song. — Recommended by Francisca
Khaki – お祝い/萌芽 (Owai/Houga)
In December the five-piece band Khaki released a double A single, the band’s third single, お祝い/萌芽 (Owai/Houga). This week, they decided to publish one music video where they showcase both songs of that single, contrasting with each other in a way, both filmed at Mitaka City Arts Centre. While the band was formed in 2018, full-fledged activities only started in 2021. They have two songwriters and seem to be able to maintain a consistent vibe and identity that describes Khaki, while also allowing themselves to keep evolving. — Recommended by Francisca
Era – 風船 (Balloon)
In November of last year, the in 2020 started four-piece rock band Era (stylised as era) started releasing new music for three consecutive months. The newly released music video for the single released in December serves as a delightful warm-up treat for fans eagerly awaiting the upcoming first album of the four-piece from Mie Prefecture, scheduled for the first of April. Plenty to look forward to, but definitely look for the band’s earlier work to see their growth. — Recommended by Francisca
GALAND – 踊りたがりの幽霊 (Odoritagari no Yuurei)
This track comes from the second EP by four-member melodic hardcore band GALAND, titled Alternative. Perhaps a reference to their way of incorporating elements from different musical genres into their musical style. The EP will be released later this month and follows GALAND’s first mini-album, released in summer 2023. The Tokyo-based band (Hachioji to be precise) was formed in 2019, but only started performing live in spring 2021. Soon after, GALAND started releasing music and nothing seems to stop this band. — 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.
