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The Aprils |
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Kentaro Imai
Miho Iguchi
Yuhki Shotokuji |
Vocal, Guitar, and more
Vocal, Synthesizer
Drums |
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Profile |
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The Aprils' self-described "spacey, happy, catchy, hip, poppy music," fits neatly into the electro-pop category but I find the term limiting in describing this band's new wave style. These talented musicians expand on traditional pop hooks and instrumentals with the inclusion of synthesizer and percussion, couple this musical energy with the blending of the female and male vocal's of Imai and Iguchi to create a truly unique future pop sound.
Originally a college band, The Aprils officially formed in 1999. Based in Tokyo the band actively began pursuing live venues and in 2002, the song "Kinboshi Rocket" was used for a television commercial for Giftpia, a game for Nintendo's Gamecube. The song's success prompted The Aprils to release their first and last independent single Kinboshi Rocket on June 6, 2003. With a limited release of 1500, the single sold out immediately. Approached, signed, produced and released by Usagi-Chang Records in almost as much time as it took to sell their first single, The Aprils' first album Astro hit record stores on June 30, 2003. In June and July of 2004, The Aprils toured the USA. Returning to Japan and the studio, they began work on their much anticipated second album Pan-da, released on August 4, 2004. When asked how they would describe the album, Kentaro Imai said, "We wanted to make the album like a party, where everyone's singing, dancing and having a good time." Currently signed to Softly Records, The Aprils' newest release is the split single Orangenoise Shortcut/The Aprils.
Drawing inspiration from Shibuya-kei bands such as Flipper's Guitar and Pizzicato Five, with the added influence of Nintendo game music, The Aprils' future pop is always engaging and fun.
- Denise Smith (published 2005.03.30, updated 2005.07.06) |
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Links |
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Artist homepage
SOFTLY!
Samples |
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Keikaku Content |
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Review - The Bathroom Symphony
Features - interview |
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Discography list |
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| Albums |
| USG-003 |
Astro |
| SFTL-1011 |
Pan-da |
| SFTL-1012 |
Pan-da +1 |
| SFTL-1018 |
Space Dream Bathroom |
Singles |
| APR-001 |
Kinboshi Rocket |
| SFTL-1014 |
Orangenoise Shortcut/The Aprils |
Compilations |
| USG-001 |
Usagi Chan Supasuta!! vol.0001 |
| PCCA-01928 |
Touen 'su ka! |
| TBC-1008 |
Eightball Babies |
| PCCA-01965 |
Onyanko Punk Love |
| SFTL-1004 |
The Sound Of SOFTLY! Vol.2 ～tribute to Flipper's Guitar～ |
| SFTL-1006 |
The Sound Of SOFTLY! Tribute to Flipper's Guitar Analog Edition Vol.1 |
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Space Dream Bathroom (Album)
Released: 2005.05.18 (SFTL-1018)
Label: SOFTLY!
Tracklist
1. The Bathroom Symphony - Opening
2. Kirameki Moon Diver
3. Cosmo 80's
4. Time After Time
5. Adventures In Space
6. Niji no Wakusei
7. Sekai Wokoete
8. End of Dream - Closing
CD-Extra
1. Time After Time [PV] |
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Orangenoise Shortcut/The Aprils (Single)
Released: 2005.01.12 (SFTL-1014)
Label: SOFTLY!
Tracklist
2. Time after time
4. Ramu no Rbusongu |
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Pan-da +1 (Album)
Released: 2004.09.22 (SFTL-1012)
Label: SOFTLY!
Tracklist
1. Aprils In Stereo
2. Net Surf Music
3. Every Good Sound System
4. STRO-B [Strobo]
5. Pan-da
6. Nintro
7. Twinkle of Stars, Little Stars, Shining Stars
8. Pan-da Reprise
9. Space-D
10. Pocketship
11. Santosu Dori Dekoi wo Shiyou
12. Metropolitan Fine Arts Museum |
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Pan-da (Album)
Released: 2004.08.04 (SFTL-1011)
Label: SOFTLY!
Tracklist
CD:
1. Aprils In Stereo
2. Net Surf Music
3. Every Good Sound System
4. STRO-B [Strobo]
5. Pan-da
6. Nintro
7. Twinkle of Stars, Little Stars, Shining Stars
8. Pan-da Reprise
9. Space-D
10. Pocketship
11. Santosu Dori Dekoi wo Shiyou
DVD:
1. Aprils On TV
2. Pan-da [Seisaku: Nakama Hou Hisa]
3. Astro
4. Iron Princess
5. Eizou Myuujiamu |
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The Sound Of SOFTLY! Tribute to Flipper's Guitar Analog Edition Vol.1 (Compilation)
Released: 2004.05.12 (SFTL-1006)
Label: SOFTLY!
Tracklist
Blue Shinin' Quick Star |
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The Sound Of SOFTLY! Vol.2 ～tribute to Flipper's Guitar～ (Compilation)
Released: 2004.02.04 (SFTL-1004)
Label: SOFTLY!
Tracklist
7. Blue Shinin' Quick Star |
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Onyanko Punk Love (Compilation)
Released: 2003.11.19 (PCCA-01965)
Label: Pony Canyon
Tracklist
12. Beach |
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Eightball Babies (Compilation)
Released: 2003.09.24 (TBC-1008)
Label: Tokyo-Baby.com
Tracklist
2. STRO-B [Strobo]
12 . Hello, World |
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