| There is just something about punk and ska music that makes it perfect for summer. Maybe it's the energy that comes from the speed of the music, the rhythms and melodies that make you want to dance and jump around, or the sing-a-long choruses that make you want to scream like mad with your fellow man. Whatever it is, it makes the two genres highly addictive and creates a wonderful soundtrack for when the heat comes. As a huge storm soaked (welcome to the rainy season) the city, a couple hundred folks made their way to Shinjuku ACB for a good old fashioned punk rock show. After battling their way through the wind and hard rain, the crowd was looking to have a good time creating a very energetic atmosphere. Being smacked in the face by the sweltering heat as I entered the packed venue gave the show even more of a summertime vibe. |
| Just before 8:30 pm Tropical Gorilla took to the stage. The group instantly began playing as their lead singer leapt into the pit below to dance with the kids. Hopping back on stage he started to spit out his rapid fire vocals. Showing that a little bit of rain wasn't going to dampen their spirits, the quartet kicked out a tight 30 minute set of punk and hardcore. The crowd cheered along as the bassist screamed along his back up vocals and the drummer beat the shit out his kit. Their guitarist meanwhile, spun around and unleashed a series of big rock kicks. The mainly Japanese audience sang along with the group, while the teens sandwiched up front took turn diving off of the small stage. The band's music was fresh and extremely energetic, making it impossible to stand still. Judging by the number of bobbing heads and people dancing I'm certain I wasn't the only person who felt this way. |
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After a brief fifteen minute intermission the six guys in Kemuri came out and quickly showed why they were the night's headliner. As the band broke into their opening number, the audience became a tangled mess of body parts. People began crowd surfing and trying to push their way closer to the front. Thing slightly calmed down after the first song and the crowd began jumping in unison as the group turned out an excellent set of hard edged ska. |  |
 The band was in top form as they performed several new tracks, along with old favourites such as Senka Senrui's "One Day". Showcasing an abundance of talent, all six members possessed a lot of charisma as well. Watching them dancing, smiling, and spinning their instruments (trumpet player Ryosuke Morimura was especially good at this) added to the overall impact of the show. |
Lead singer Fumio Ito bounced around on stage like a man possessed. With his mic chord wrapped tightly around his fist, he did his best to match the energy level of the crowd. In the process, he somehow was able to raise the intensity both on stage and on the floor causing everyone to go even crazier. |
 This was summer music at its finest. Upon leaving the venue the audience was greeted by a cool summer night's breeze and clear skies as they left the show. The excellent punk and ska put an end to the rain bringing a beautiful June evening showing that good music can conquer anything, even Mother Nature herself. |
Leaving the stage after a mere thirty minutes they quickly returned for one more song. Fast, furious, and to the point, Kemuri's powerful set left everyone wanting more. Make sure you check them out for yourself at this year's Fuji Fest to see what I'm talking about. report by shawn |
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Kemuri is The http://www.kemuri.com/
the latest album |
shawn's works-->2005  2004 CD review : "Christmas" : Old Man Gloom (28th Dec)Music Soothes the Savage Beast
: eastern youth (20th Dec @ Shibuya Club Quattro)And to all A Good Night : Shonen Knife (19th Dec @ Daikanyama Unit)Exciting Music for Exciting People : illreme (6th Dec @ Shibuya Club Quattro)It's In Their Hands Now : Franz Ferdinand (29th Nov @ Shibuya AX)Lights, Camera, Action : Brahman (15th Nov @ Ebisu Liquidroom)Mostly Business : The Stills (8th Nov @ Ebisu Liquidroom)Scare The Rock Right Outta Ya : Halloween Ball 2004 feat . The 5,6,7,8's, Gasoline, The Woggles (30th Oct @ Shiomkitazawa Shelter)Three More, Two More, and Take it to the Left : Hawaiian6/ Idol Punch (11th Oct @ Shinjuku Loft)Busting Eardrums : Mogwai (5th Oct @ Ebisu Liquidroom AX )Medical Breakthrough : The Most Notorious Vol. 18 feat. Melt Banana and K.K. Null (25th Sept @ Shimokitazawa Shelter )Grey Skies Are Going To Clear Up... : HUSKING BEE (5th Sept @ Shibuya AX )no title : V∞REDOMS (8th Aug @ Ebisu Liquidroom )CD review : Andre Ethier With Christopher Sandes : Andre Ethier2003Cause Music Must Be Magic : Mayor McCa (21st Dec @ The Casbah,Hamilton, Ontario )Make It a Double : EVANESCENCE (28th Jul @ Shinjuku AX)Getting Knifed in Tokyo : Shonen Knife / bloodthirsty butchers(12th Jul @ Shibuya Club Quattro)Hail Hail! Some of Japan's best come together to pay tribute to San Diego's finest : TRIBUTE TO ROCKET FROM THE CRYPT feat. John Speedo with Jet Boys, Retro Gretion, and KEMURI, (21st June '03 @ Shibuya Club Quattro)The Canucks are Coming! The Canucks are Coming! : Simple Plan & GOB (26th Apr @ Akasaka Blitz)no title : Banda Bassotti with Doberman, Oi Skall Mates & Rude Bones (12th May @ Kawasaki Club Citta)The Enchanting Sounds of Summer : KEMURI (31st May @ Shinjuku ACB Hall)Absolutely F**king Brilliant!! : The Coral (21st Apr @ Shinjuku Liquid Room)no title : Short Circuit w/ Asparagus (24th Mar @ Shibuya AX) |