10 great experimental rock bands from Japan
By Shay • May 25th, 2008 • Category: Check it Out, Top StoryThe experimental rock genre is a place where the possibilities are almost limitless. Thanks to the universal language of the mostly instrumental music, bands jam across the globe and in Japan, there is an exceptionally vibrant scene.
Here’s a list of 10 great experimental rock bands from Japan, in no particular order. Whilst all can be classified under the ‘experimental’ umbrella, most play post-rock or math rock to varying degrees.
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miaou
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toe
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mono
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Sequence Pulse
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World’s End Girlfriend
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té
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LITE
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sleepy.ab
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eksperimentoj
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downy
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miaou is the trio of Tatsuki Hamasaki and sisters Mayumi and Hiromi Hasegawa. They formed in 1999. Their use of guitars, synths, Rhodes piano, and computers provide for their distinct and melodic sound.
toe is a dynamic quartet that’s music often delves into the realm of math rock. Thanks to releases like the book about my idle plot on a vague anxiety, toe stands as one of Japan’s most acclaimed instrumental groups.
mono are a Tokyo-based post-rock group that have found popularity on an international stage. Despite their name, their music is incredibly deep, consisting of layered guitars, strings, and more.
Sequence Pulse are an experimental quartet with a lush, laidback sound where smooth synths often accompanying crisp guitars and more. They have released three full-length albums to date.
World’s End Girlfriend is the work of one Katsuhiko Maeda. Maeda has experimented with all types of music since he was a child and although now more focused, World’s End Girlfriend is like his one big experiment.
Since their formation in 2004, té (pronounced ‘tay’) has made quite an impact in the world of post-rock. Their highly-anticipated debut album released in ‘05 placed 10th on the Tower Record Japan charts.
LITE is a math rock quartet formed in Tokyo in 2003. A couple of their albums including their debut filmlets have been distributed in Europe and they toured in the UK in late 2007.
sleepy.ab are a shoegaze/dream pop band originally from Hokkaido. The “ab” in their name fittingly stands for “abstract”. Their standard use of vocals helps set them apart from those above.
eksperimentoj is a band that first got together in 2000. Their “sound art”, as they call it, is a unique synthesis of genres and influences. “eksperimentoj” means “experiments” in Esperanto.
downy is a dynamic group that have since disbanded. That being said, their experimental sound continue to have an impact. Former guitarist/vocalist Robin Aoki formed Dhal with Eugene Wakamikoto (of eksperimentoj) in 2003.Got any favorites? If so, please share.
Shay is hanging out with a soccer-playing buffalo.
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MONO’s playing in Singapore & Malaysia on the 3rd and 5th July resp.
toe’s coming over in August too..
come check them out if you’re in the region.
http://www.kittywurecords.com
http://www.soundscape-records.com
Wow. What a strange use of the term “experimental”…. and “best”