KSPACE.TV » japan

Track of the Day: Yura Yura Teikoku “Dekinai”

Matt Diehl — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:10:30 +0000

We’re fans of the DFA label here at Kspace, as you’ve probably figured out, so we’re always excited for a new release from them. The latest from the New York-based imprint, however, set us for a loop – in the best way. DFA of course is famed for enlivening dance music with rock band dynamics (a la LCD Soundsystem and the Rapture), retro-futurism (the Juan Maclean), and helping to spearhead the current neo-disco movement. But DFA also has their experimental side, which explains releases from the likes of Black Dice, Gavin Russom and Delia Gonzalez – and Hollow Me/Beautiful, the new album by Yura Yura Teikoku.

Reading that, you might be saying “Yura who?” In fact, in their Japanese homeland, Yura Yura Teikoku are something of a household name, having existed for two decades making uncategorizably beautiful psychedelic rock. Actually, YYT makes kaleidoscopic sounds that, while fairly avant in their approach, are far catchier than most of DFA’s more experimental fare. As well, it’s not hard to see how YYT’s akimbo vocal cadences have clearly influenced James Murphy’s singing in LCD Soundsystem, especially on the standout album track “Dekinai.” If anything, YYT’s playful combination of funk and freakiness recalls the swinging krautrock of

Can, or maybe even the Flaming Lips when they hit the perfect balance of oddness, syncopated groove and trippy prog melody. And in keeping with DFA tradition, “Dekinai” is, naturally, danceable – but on its own nutty terms, which seems apropos considering all involved.

Snow Clubbing: Mixing Sound And Slopes At Snowfests

Matt Diehl — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:02:06 +0000

Mixing off-piste sound and slopes is a short but storied tradition: perhaps due to temperature, cool music has always gone well with snow sports. The illustrious annual Snowbombing festival – which features acts like 2 Many DJs, Dizzee Rascal, Alex Metric and Reverend and the Makers in a dope Austrian Alpine resort setting - has always seemed like the ideal ski and snowboard escape. A kind of Glastonbury with snow instead of mud and a hip raver makeover, Snowbombing gets cheers from performers and punters alike. “The actuality of the event needs to be seen to be believed – as the chocolate box setting is transformed into Caligua’s Rome,” Clash magazine wrote of Snowbombing’s singular appeal. They have just announced the 2010 edition jumps off in early April, featuring acts like Vitalic, James Zabiela, Ewan Pearson, Adam Beyer and The Revenge. But snowfests aren’t limited just to say, Europe: Japan’s revered Yabuhara resort recently started showcasing their own unique, low-key gathering called Taico Club. The Guardian recently wrote about the fantastic boutique atmosphere of Taico Club, waxing ecstatic about seeing Squarepusher in a “stunning location [where] as the sun rises, snow-capped mountains appear dramatically through the early morning mist.” Now is the time to start preparing to catch one of the varied snowfests on offer – so wax those boards and get those tickets now if you want to get down to off-piste slopes and sounds. In North America, there’s been a growing number of off-slope resort music appearances, so here’s hoping for a full-on US snow fest soon.

Soil & “PIMP” Sessions Return

Jonathan — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:22:55 +0000

ah it was beginning to feel a little too quiet around here, but that is all about to change ! Our extra fun Death Jazz-ers from Japan are about 4 weeks away from destroying Europe AGAIN ! Kicking off on July 3rd at the glorious Worldwide Festival in Sete, the mighty Soil & “PIMP” Sessions take on Roskilde, the North Sea Jazz in Rotterdam, a romp through Germany and a WW10 Celebration at Koko in London on 9th July. Check here for a killer date near you (hopefully) and to hear some of the tunes off of the Planet Pimp (Brownswood) release BUT believe me this will still be nothing at all like seeing the tremendously energizing PIMPS turn jazz into a full throttle marathon over and over again. At first it’s like the 100 meter dash but trust me the boys have endurance and you will go the distance !

Get a small glimpse of the previous London show at the Roundhouse and Hit us back here with the name of 2 band members and you could win a pair of tickets for the London show.

‘Sea of Tranquility’ from Planet Pimp album