Pine AM

Pine AM, a trio originally from Osaka but now a duo separated by an ocean, are a fuzzy blend of synth pop, psychedelic haze and playful experimentalism. Much if this clashing of styles likely comes from the way they make their music. Instead of sitting together in a room and working things out, they trade their music files via the web, no doubt a necessity since guitar and vocalist Chizuko Matsubayashi lives in Canada and Tsugumi Takashi, the main singer as well as bassist and programmer, lives in Japan. Up until 2006, when keyboardist Taeca Kinoshita left, they were a trio. They had toured extensively through Germany and America, playing small yet very intimate shows to adoring fans and at least one comic book guy. These smaller venues are a perfect match for their small and personal sound. Relying heavily on drum machines and laptops, Pine AM conjures up visions of Kraftwerk and Ladytron in a giggling pillow-fight, Takako Minekawa and Ex-Girl relaxing in a space cafe. They aren't all soft dreamy bliss though. The can crank up the guitars and distortion pedals from time to time, and their driving synth-pop version of Satie's Gymnopédie No 1 (hear it at the end of the first video) is as close to perfect as this world can handle. Let's hope they continue to play those small, intimate shows.

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Official Site
MySpace

Members
Tsugumi Takashi: vocals, bass, programming, production
Chizuko Matsubayashi: guitar, vocals
Taeca Kinoshita: keys and programmings [until 2006]

Major Releases
Pull The Rabbit Ears - 2005.05.31
Playing Intense Neutral Electronica ad nauseAM - 2004.01.28
P.I.N.E.A.M.E.P. - 2004.01.28

Live