And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Our Myspace Friends
June 28th, 2008 by Brack
So, I was checking the internet to find out what Petty Booka were up to, and discovered, they are up to not being Petty Booka, and that there is a new Petty Booka, with an entirely new Petty and an entirely new Booka. Their new album is all bluegrass though, so somethings do not change (though a lot of tracks seem to be tracks the old PB already did?!?). It all does beg the question what the old Pettys and old Bookas are up to now though. Answers on a postcard or sealed down envelope please.
Anyway, this all led me to BENTEN/Sister Records head honcho Audrey BENTEN Kimura’s myspace, and as I like most of the bands on her label, I figured I’d check out some of the bands on her friends list (and on the friends lists of those bands) to find some new sounds for these jaded ears.
GO!GO!7188 - I’ve heard of this band, but not heard them. Their selection of tracks on myspace seem clipped somewhat so it’s hard to judge, but there’s enough there that I’d like to hear more, particularly the track Manhole from the 569 album.
The 50 Kaitenz - This tongue in cheek garage rock band may look like the bastard children of Jack Douglas and Colonel Sanders, but they rock hard and may be my newest favourite band.
ASAKUSA JINTA - “hardcore marching brass band”. I think I may have heard them before unknowingly, as their style seems familiar. AND AWESOME. Or possibly they just remind me of Gogol Bordello a little, which is STILL AWESOME.
Kegawa no Maries - Another rock band with their roots in garage rock, they’ve got a Stooges feel, with a vocalist that sounds like a sneering, indignant Mick Jagger. And despite that description calling to mind the wretched Jet, Kegawa no Maries are actually good.
KING BROTHERS - Considering their similarity to Thee Michelle Gun Elephant and Guitar Wolf, along with their links to The Strokes, Lightning Bolt, Bob Log III, Jon Spencer and so on, I’m surprised I’ve not heard them. Needless to say, raw, screaming, smartly dressed, punk. Yay.
The Bawdies - A lot of these bands toy with the Group Sounds aesthetic, but The Bawdies totally embrace it. They’ve got a classic British 60’s look, they sing in English, the only difference is there’s less of a Kinks influence, more of a rhythm and blues feel to their tracks. They are the Japanese “The Soundtrack Of Our Lives” and I demand my prize.
ketchup mania - perfectly acceptable female fronted power pop (punk’s stretching it a bit). A little too polished, but fun and bouncy.
detroit7 - More garage band fun. Lead vocalist Nabana’s vocals are so different from the typical Japanese punk template that they really stand out. Good stuff.
The Beaches - 10/10 for trying some different. i.e. being a punk band with latin rhythms and reggae-tinged vocals. It’s growing on me I have to say, I’m thinking they would be a very fun prospect to see live and to dance to.
OK, internet jaunt over (I’ve been nice and not mentioned any of the bands that didn’t tickle my fancy) and I think, Asakusa Jinta and The 50 Kaitenz are the bands I need more of right now.
Posted in Music | Tags: Asakusa Jinta, audrey kimura, benten records, detroit7, GO!GO!7188, Kegawa no Maries, ketchup mania, KING BROTHERS, petty booka, sister records, The 50 Kaitenz, The Bawdies, The Beaches | No Comments »