Mitsume subscribes to an easy-to-get-behind ethos regularly found in indie-rock communities: "Since our first album, we've been under nobody's control but our own," says lead vocalist Moto Kawabe. "We prefer to do whatever we can ourselves."
Accordingly, the Tokyo-based quartet has released all its singles, EPs and albums through its own self-titled label, including third full-length "Sasayaki," which arrived in stores last week.
Refusing to compromise artistic control is noble, but risky if you never go anywhere. Since Mitsume formed in 2009, though, it has garnered more attention with each new release. The band has made it into popular music magazines such as Rockin'on and Indies Issue. They played a side stage at last year's Fuji Rock Festival and will open for English indie-pop act Summer Camp next week in Tokyo. Afterward, they embark on a brief nationwide tour culminating in a much-hyped March 28 show at Tokyo's Liquidroom.