Tokyo's Coolest Sound

It's been a month already since I went to this really fun event titled "Electronic World Cup 2010". Organized by Kishino Yūichi (hige no mibōjin aka La veuve moustachue aka The Mustached Widow), it was actually a tour that went to Osaka and Kyoto before its finale at SuperDeluxe in Roppongi on November 12. Featured were indies artists from Spain, Belgium and Australia, as well as Japan. I was mainly there to see higemibo who was to perform with pianist/songwriter Gary Ashiya, a return after some 2+ years, but I found myself pleased with all the acts thanks to Kishino-san's great taste.

First playing was Alek et Les Japonaises, an act from Belgium formed of Belgian Alek and a Japanese girl (only one, nevermind the band name's plural form). They both sang in a mix of French and Japanese, just perfect for me. Guitar over electronic upbeat new wave-y beats, the songs were funny and the outfits way kitsch, reminding me of The Plastics and Plastic Bertrand. After the show I rushed to buy both of their CDs. :)

Another stage on the side of the venue had a piano, and that's where was held La veuve moustachue's set. It was the hi-tech formula with live video of a mini puppet stage, a must see! Gary played piano, accompanying Kishino-san's unique solo musical. Aside from La veuve moustachue's repertory, there was a cover of "otomodachi de imasho yo". At first I couldn't recall where I had heard that wonderful song, and thought it might have been a hit song from the 60's, but it was actually by Refrain, a recent project of Gary's. La veuve moustachue is a must-see!

Next up was Internet 2, a guy named Carlos from Barcelona. That was quite hectic! It involved a homemade MIDI controller formed of large pads placed on the floor to look like a large keyboard for him to step on the keys. Each key triggered different samples. Between his songs he went over to his computer and played animated GIFs on the large screen, provoking a lot of laughter, while saying silly things in broken English. His wallpaper was a photo of Perfume and he said he likes Nocchi best. :) At one point he played a clarinet along with his samples. His show finished by calling people from the audience and handing them his pads to play along (not to give more details of the indecencies that went on!). That was really a crazy show!

Last was OORUTAICHI, who I had heard the name many times before but it was the first time I got to hear his music. He's a Japanese guy performing solo with his electronics while singing ethnic-style words in an unknown language. He has a new album coming on January 23, on Kishino-san's Out One Disc label.

Kishino Yūichi can be seen with his band Watts Towers on January 11 at Shibuya O-West, a yearly show held on his birthday where he asks people to pay any price they feel fair only once the show is over.

Alek et Les Japonaises "Kuchi Kusai"

hige no mibōjin / La veuve moustache / The Moustached Widow "otomodachi de imashō yo / Why Don't We Just Be Friends?"

Internet 2 "El arco de San Martin"

OORUTAICHI "Beshaby"

Larger sizes and more photos at Flickr