Tokyo's Coolest Sound

On Friday April 22 was a fun event held at Asagaya GaMuSo, of the Farm Party series organized by the great Tokyo Gig Guide. Started just last year, it was the 6th time the event was held. This time were featured Abikyokan, Hosaka Akane, Young Fratellis and N'toko.

First on were resident international band Abikyokan who gave their original mix of rocking psychedelic synth-pop, with members occasionally switching positions.

Then was toy electronic musician Hosaka Akane. It had been almost a year since the last time she had played live, but she was as good as ever! Her set featured mainly songs from her latest album "Niko Niko Denki Muzic" and some earlier ones, complete with an appearance of blue bird Peckpee.

Set list (partial): Super Stylus / 5 acrobat toys for baby / Pocket of Music / Brown Game / ohana ageru / Non disposition / Peckpee

Next came the unexpected surprise of the evening, disco salarymen duo Young Fratellis. One guy stood at the back playing the well-made tracks while the other sang running all over the small room, almost frightening the audience who couldn't resist to dance but had to stand against the walls. Very fun and groovy show!

Last up was Slovenian electro rapper N'toko who I had been looking forward to. The guy plays his tracks and synth while singing his fast and clear lyrics. It seems like he's around in Japan for still a little while so he can be caught meanwhile. Latest album "Ex Shanti Future Shanti" (2010) is available on Tokyo label Call and Response.

The event also featured several DJs, and I had the pleasure to be one of them. For my setlist, check my blog at chipple.net.

I'll be looking forward to the ongoing Farm Party series! Stay tuned on Tokyo Gig Guide for details.

Larger sizes and more photos at Flickr