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 Japanese music acts that are definitely worth watching and need some extra focus, with an emphasis on the lesser-known names.
We are now looking back on a selection of videos released in week 36 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
after six poolside – Quest
This nine-piece DIY rock band from Tokyo blends alternative rock, funk, and city pop, with lyrics often exploring the buried emotions and forgotten memories of busy daily life. Formed in the summer of 2020 with musicians who are also active in other bands such as rock band ALAN, instrumental band SONOSUKIMAKARA, post-punk band Schedars and new wave disco punk rock band deronderonderon. This diversity in band experiences brings a rich palette of influences and styles to the nine-piece. However, with a flexible line-up, not all nine members are always present, allowing members to come and go, which is also noticeable in the latest music video for their latest digital single. — Recommended by Francisca
sugar – Jam
Upon the announcement of this new visual kei band, conversations quickly arose on social media referring to the iconically regarded visual kei band of the same name, active some 20 years ago, with frontman Loki, (now active in 逆しまな歯車を仮面が嗤う。/ Sakashimana Haguruma wo Kamen ga Warau.). Although it is more common for musical acts to share the same or similar names, these discussions attracted extra attention. After all, this brand new band consisting of former band members of Avilis, Houts and KARASU, made an immediate impression with their energetic debut single Jam and got off to a rocking start. — Recommended by Francisca
LANPAZIE – ペインキラーレディオ (Pain Killer Radio)
This song is featured on alternative garage rock band LANPAZIE’s third album, titled BUZZ DA VIBE, which was released in May 2023 and can be listened to digitally since the beginning of this year. The album is an ode to rock ‘n’ roll with the band sticking to the classic ensemble of live drums, bass and guitar. The official website of the band details how the band ended up spending several years tinkering with the concepts of the songs before finally moving on to recording the tracks. The Tokyo-based three-piece has been on the scene since 2011, mixing alternative, grunge and garage rock with influences from Japanese rock legends such as Blankey Jet City and Thee Michelle Gun Elephant, as well as the British rock scene of the 1980s and 1990s. — Recommended by Francisca
ULTRA – flashback
After releasing several singles and an EP, quartet ULTRA released their first album, 到底及ばない (Toutei Oyobanai), last November. In addition to the CD and digital versions, a cassette tape has since been released via Gerpfast Records, and now fans can also purchase this release on vinyl. It was time for a music video and the choice fell on the album’s opening song, flashback. Featuring a powerful line-up of seasoned musicians, such as Megumi Tsubosaka (acd., ex-ecosystem), Natsuko Miyamoto (MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS), Shuhei Yanagimoto (WOMAN), and Ko Sugimoto (TheSpringSummer, Liaroid Cinema), they manage to lay down a unique blend of energy and musical experience, resulting in a sound that is both powerful and melodic. — Recommended by Francisca
なるぎれ (Nargile) – 夏暁 (Late Summer)
Last week, the Sendai-based four-piece rock band Nargile released their very first full-length album, titled Nerds Ruined Girls Legislation, which is a reference to their band name. Active since the summer of 2021, this group of university students create music in their spare time that can be best described as a blend of power pop and dream pop with roaring guitars. Their album’s concept revolves around summer and the feel of the first episode of a late-night anime series. To celebrate the new release, three music videos have been published this week, all of which are animated reflecting the concept nicely. — Recommended by Francisca
小松成彰 (Nariaki Komatsu) – 私は橋をかけるから (I’ll build you a bridge)
Besides running a hypnotherapy practice, Nariaki Komatsu is also a versatile musician who began his musical journey around 2005. He is involved with various music projects, such as Material Gold Park, KING KONG JAPAN and ELEPH/ANT, as well as solo. Together with AK.okamoto (KLONNS, Material Gold Park) and Pueru Kim (kumagusu, IN THE SUN), he has been making music under his own name since September 2021, with the most recent release being the trio’s third single this year, in which poetry, vocals, guitar work and tenor sax come together with a dub mix. — Recommended by Francisca
Leetspeak monsters – Room 666
Even though some shops have been selling fun Halloween-themed trinkets since the summer, according to gothic rock band Leetspeak monsters, the Halloween season kicked off at the start of September. The four-piece rock band—led by vocalist D13 who takes on the role of a skeletal guide through the eerie tales of the visual kei band—once again showcases in this new music video why these four members excel at capturing the essence of Halloween both visually and lyrically, with a worldview reminiscent of dark fantasy films with theatrical elements. Their eighth maxi single, sharing the same title, Room 666, will be released in early October. — 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.
