Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Last Tuesday after a rough day at work, I headed to Shindaita Fever (Shindaita is the station next to Shimokitazawa), a venue I had yet never been to. There was being held Rogue Wave, the first edition of a series of live shows organized by Daniel Robson (British Underground) and Keith Cahoon (Hotwire Japan). While rock isn't on top of my everyday playlist, it was exactly what I needed to cheer me up on that day. The event's program was of 4 girl-led bands.

I arrived shortly after GO!GO!7188 had started playing. I had heard of the band before, some people I know (especially abroad) being big fans, but this was the first time I really got to listen to their music. I was really surprised that while probably the biggest name on the bill they were placed right at the beginning..! Well that's the right way to start a party!

I soon understood why GO!GO!7188 are so popular. The 3-piece band (girl guitarist/vocals, girl bassist and guy on drums) has a really sharp sound, a lot of what they played were shortish catchy rock'n'roll songs, sometimes with a touch of more traditional Japanese vocals. But more than all they had lots of energy and they just rocked! Something else that made me happy about them is that after they said their "thank you, it was short, we're almost done", usually announcing the last song, they actually had 3 more songs to finish their powerful set.

Next up was Natccu, a Japanese singer and songwriter who had just got back from a UK tour. She played guitar while singing, once switching to a Korg synth for a few songs. Her catchy rock songs sounded quite a bit inspired by British rock and some new wave. I really liked "Apple Z" which can be heard at her MySpace. I also liked her bassist who looked cool and was also really good. Natccu has a 2nd album coming this summer, featuring many guests including Mike Watt!

3rd on stage was Molice (MySpace), a rather noisy rock band. It had been a long time since I had seen such a lively mosh pit. There was a good percentage of foreigners in the crowd which certainly helped. The singer's constant straight stare made me slightly uncomfortable as I stood about in the center at the back. Their set had several instrumental moments where the four members faced each other making experimental and psychedelic sounds.

Kinoco Hotel (MySpace) took the stage and were greeted by the remaining mosh pit from the previous band. It was the first time I saw them in blue outfits which looked just great! And Fabienne's smile...! Their set was along the lines of the last times I saw them, girl neo-GS at its best, never disappointing!

I was sad to have to leave as the encore began, as I had to catch a train. I was left with a Kinoco Hotel song in my head, until at least the next day.

I'll be looking forward to more high quality Rogue Wave events. Sign up to the Facebook page to be informed when the next one is planned.

Molice "Jewel Story"

Kinoco Hotel "moetsukitai no"

Larger sizes and more photos at Flickr