It's not often that a run-of-the-mill rock band finds a way to not only break through into mainstream success, but also manages to produce some challenging music along the way. Asian Kung-Fu has done just that.
Releasing their first material in 2000, the band has stuck to their guns through the years, releasing ten albums and mini-albums full of top quality, emo tinged rock. Starting off as an above average indie-rock band, they honed their sound and their skills very quickly. Thankfully they stay well away from any strip-mall-esque "punk" influences, instead focusing on their expert skill at their respective instruments. They are pretty heavy and screamy at times, but not in a bratty Cookie Monster sort of way. Masafumi Goto is merely singing his ass off. Ajikan isn't afraid to switch up the time signatures and throw in some intricate syncopation from time to time, something that propels them far beyond other bands in the genre. Think Weezer meets Foo Fighters.
Not only has the band gained nearly legendary status in the indie rock scene (much like the aforementioned Weezer,) but they have also supported that scene through their own annual music festival. Started in 2003, the Nano-Mugen Festival has been the high-water mark for Japanese rock shows. Featuring a who's-who of the current scene, it's seen the likes of Beat Crusaders, Mo'Some Tonebender, Art-School, Straightener, Going Under Ground, 9mm Parabellum Bullet and Shugo Tokumaru, among many others. The show includes not only top Japanese talent, but also opens its door to other bands from around the world.
Another point of note is that all of their artwork is handled by one person, Yusuke Nakamura. The rather enigmatic illustrator brings an equally clean and clear visual analog to Ajikan's music. His style is very flat and bold, with large swaths of solid color framed by equally strong black line drawings. Animals factor largely into his subject matter, along with solitary young girls and various musical instruments and recording equipment.
Like many bands finding themselves in the spotlight, Ajikan seems to have mellowed out greatly over the past couple albums. The slower, more introspective and “nice” sounding songs have begun taking over space previously filled with their faster, loud material. That's not to say that the band doesn't still have the chops or the energy to kick out the jams. Just that one would do well to delve into their back catalog to unearth some real gems.
Blackout
Official Site
Members:
Masafumi Goto - Vocals, Guitar
Kensuke Kita - Guitars, Backing Vocal
Takahiro Yamada - Bass, Backing Vocal
Kiyoshi Ijichi - Drums
Releases:
Caramelman and Asian Kung-Fu Generation - 2000
The Time Past And I Could Not See You Again - 2000
I'm Standing Here - 2001
Hōkai Amplifer - 2003
Kimi Tsunagi Five M - 2003
Sol-fa - 2004
Fanclub - 2006
Feedback File - 2006
World World World - 2008
Mada Minu Ashita ni - 2008
Blue Train
Mirai no Kakera
After Dark
Haruka Kanata
Rewrite
Loop and Loop
Kimi to iu hana
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