Have you ever been so moved by a band, you shaved off your own eyebrows? The devoted early adopters of Yura Yura Teikoku’s guitar-dueling psychedelia did just that, seduced by singer Sakamoto Shintaro’s eviscerated eyebrows– a grooming choice only accentuated by his long, flowing hair parted down the middle, like a traditional Japanese ghost. As Yura Yura Teikoku rose from obscurity in those irreverent days of yore to a level of popularity unprecedented for a band in the Japanese psych rock scene, they never compromised their innovative style.
These days their sound has evolved towards seductively cool introspective pop jams that seem to inspire the shuffling steps of an aloof yet precise back alley hustler. Yura Yura Teikoku has recently shared the stage with Yo La Tengo and Animal Collective. Their latest album, Hollow Me was released state-side by DFA, and it lays claim to more than a couple fantastic tunes. Several songs from the album were implemented to great effect in Sion Sono’s 4-hour cinematic opus, Love Exposure. Check out the epic title track:
Okay, it’s never nice to start with such a direct comparison– but it’s hard to ignore the fact that some of Alvin Band’s songs sound a lot like Animal Collective. That’s not a detriment at all. The sound is similar, but not identical, and even if it were identical– that would be rad! Two Animal Collectives are better than one, right? Having just released a debut record entitled Mantis Preying, Alvin Band (the musical moniker of Rick Alvin Schaier, who also drums and sings in Miniature Tigers) has room for growth, and the project is certain to evolve in unique and exciting directions. Plus, this music video is just incredibly fun. I can’t not love something that pays homage to the glory of Let’s Paint TV.
Where The Wild Things Are studio all star Bradford Cox teamed up with Panda Bear of Animal Collective to create the upcoming “Logos.” The first single “Walkabout” is one of those summer jams that’s going to be keeping you alive and happy the whole year through. But don’t take our word for it- go listen to it for free!
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