June 2005, appears to have been a good month. I don’t particularly remember it, but it must of been. Because, the music recommended for that month was varied and surprising.
Date: 2005.06.29 Artist: The Jerry Staff: Denise
Exploring the harder side of rock. The Jerry combine pounding rhythms and drivin’ guitar riffs, with the tortured vocals of Yuta Osanai taking the band’s sound into a darker dimension. The Jerry are releasing their second mini album Drain Dry, in July. Samples of the band’s music can be heard at their site. The Jerry members are Yuta Osanai [Vocals, Guitar], Hirosi Ichimaru [Bass] and Amane Tsuji [Drums].
theFishBird’s punk sound runs the gambit between rock drivin’ guitars and catchy pop hooks. After being included on the compilation album Kono Senen ni Kui Nashi g (Great) in April 2005, theFishBird have released their first album the Fish Bird electronically over the internet. Samples of the album are available here. theFishBird members are Bamboo [Vocals], Naoki [Drums], Akira [Guitar] and 一y [Bass].
Date: 2005.06.15 Artist: Perfect Piano Lesson Staff: James Route
Perfect Piano Lesson combine the complicated riffs and rhythms of math rock, distortion of grunge and emo-tinged lyrics into one neat package. Artists they’ve been influenced by include Zazen Boys, Fugazi and The Dismemberment Plan. Members are Daioku (bass), Shirane (vocals, guitar), and Kachitani (drums). Samples are available at their page here.
Date: 2005.06.07 Artist: Balloons Staff: James Route
Balloons describe themselves as “post hc/emo math rock.” Though seemingly a tangle of genres, what this really amounts to is somewhat complicated, syncopated riffs and busy drumming with melodic, steady vocals (delivered in surprisingly proficient English) that bear more than a passing similarity to Dave Grohl’s voice. The band just wrapped up a 13-stop tour in the US as well. Song samples are available here (click the “Merchandise” button).
Date: 2005.06.04 Artist: it Staff: Chris McDougall (disbanded)
Not to be confused with the Stephen King novel of the same name, it (confusion abounds with the lowercase spelling) is a relatively unknown three piece alternarock band based in Tokyo that has been around since 1999. Their sound seems very centered on the indie/underground alternative movement that had its heyday in the early 90s. Some of their listed influences/favorites include Big Black, Joy Division, Mogwai, Sonic Youth, and especially bloodthirsty butchers. Since drummer Yamaoka Hiroshi will be leaving the band—his last show as a member of it is on 3/7/2005—vocalist/guitarist Tanaka Kensuke and bassist Suzuki Miho are currently looking for a new drummer.
Date: 2005.06.04 Artist: Real Age (リアルエイジ) Staff: Chris McDougall
At times a personification of the Bad Religion song “Along the Way,” Real Age (リアルエイジ) is a three piece punk outfit whose tight knit and sometimes soothing melodies may not seem punk in sound, but are definitely punk in spirit. Vocal duties are mainly handled by bassist Kanamori Shingo, while guitarist Endou Yuusuke provides backup and sometimes alternating vocals. Drummer Tanihara Akimitsu rounds out the band with choral and rhythm duties. You can see video of their passionate live performances on sound-tv.net. Go to the “punk” and “REAL AGE.”
Date: 2005.06.04 Artist: The Aprils (エイプリルズ) Staff: Denise
Catchy pop hooks, electronic and instrumental talents blend together to produce a unique electro-pop sound. The Aprils hold nothing back in creating music that entertains and keeps you coming back for more. The Aprils members are Kentaro Imai [vocal, guitar, and more], Miho Iguchi [vocal, synthesizer] and Yuhki Shotokuji [drums].
Date: 2005.06.04 Artist: The Jerry Lee Phantom Staff: Denise (formed The Beaches)
Dance meets classic garage rock. Drawing inspiration from punk, soul, jazz, and house. The Jerry Lee Phantom smoothly combine elements from each genre, creating a unique musical experience. The Jerry Lee Phantom members are Hisashi [vocal, guitar], Hiroshi [drums], Ayuko [piano, keyboard, vocal] and Morio [bass].
Distinctively addictive, Apartment’s energized pop style is driven by melodic vocals, driving rhythms and skillful keyboards. Apartment’s “extraordinary pop music” is indeed that, extraordinary. Apartment members are Kanasugi Yuusuke [Vocals, Guitar], Chuuree Shinsuke [Bass], Uchikawa Koosei [Drums] and Ami [Keyboard].
Date: 2005.06.04 Artist: The Acoustics Staff: Denise (disbanded)
Inspired by The Beatles and The Who, this independent band performs in the underground live house circuit in Tokyo. The Acoustics rock-pop sound is reminiscent of their idols’ earlier works. The Acoustics members are Keiji Kadokura [Vocal, Guitar, Piano, etc], Michi Nakao [Vocal, Bass, Guitar, Recording Engineer], Seiji Yamaguchi [Guitar, Chorus] and Yuji Sugawara [Drums].
Syrup16g revitalize vintage-rock. With their classic guitar riffs and melodic vocals Syrup16g bring a unique and fresh perspective to this classic genre. Syrup16g members are Igaarashi Takatsugu [vocal, guitar], Nakabatake Taiki [drums], and Kitada Maki [bass].
Whichever phrase you choose to describe them, Club Pop or Shibuya-kei. Qypthone’s pop melodies are a distinctive blending of 60s retro sounds and modern dance music. Qypthone members are Izumi Ookawara [Vocals], Ishikaki Kentarou [Bass, Samples] and Takeshi Nakatsuka [Keyboard].
This alternative rock band’s improvisational sound takes on a dreamy quality with the angelic vocal interpretations of front woman Asami. Clams members are Asami [Vocal, Maraca, Tambourine], Hisashi [Guitar, 12 bowstring guitar, Mac, Drum, Bass], Takayuki [Bass].
This here blog is one small step for Keikaku, one giant step for the staff's collective ego. Unimportant news and many ramblings (sometimes about music) will likely be a big part of the posts. Enjoy.
