It's a new year that other indie bands could only dream of. Steady gigs, new releases and collaborations with established artists, they've all been on ZZZ's schedule for the past few months.
The Hyogo Prefecture trio released their second EP, "Magnetica," in February, and had the opportunity to play several shows in the United States last year. Now they'll continue on their roll with Los Angeles-based noise band Cold Cave in Tokyo next Tuesday.
They told The Japan Times in a recent interview they felt the period they spent in the United States matured their musical vision and brought the members together. They were also delighted to have had the opportunity for a chance encounter with Sonic Youth guitarist Thurston Moore and sound engineer Jonathan Kreinik (The Rapture) — with whom they recorded "Magnetica."
Still now their international horizons seems to be expanding with the opportunity of playing with Cold Cave. The two bands appear to have found in each other a good match as their genres are both a mix of experimental and noise music, with a slightly darker edge.
Cold Cave singer Wes Eisold started the band in 2007 and its last effort, "Cherish the Light Years," was received well by critics in 2011. Their recent single, "God Made The World," is from an upcoming EP titled "Oceans With No End." Hopefully, fans will be treated to more songs from the new EP at the show.
Cold Cave and ZZZ's will also be supported by Tokyo-based duo Group A, whose self-described "avant-garde" music also overlaps with noise. The duo released a self-titled album in 2012 and have been playing at venues in the capital since.
Cold Cave, ZZZ's and Group A play O-Nest in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, on April 23 (7 p.m. start; ¥3,500 in advance; [03] 3462-4420). For more information, visit www.coldcave.net, www.zzzs-jpn.com or groupaband.com.