10 great experimental rock bands from Japan
Kaisatsuko – an experimental fiddle-like instrument

Shay introduces us to 10 bands from Japan’s especially vibrant scene of experimental rock, most of them either post- or math-rock. He provides pictures, a short write-up and links to the official sites or MySpaces for each band. A solid, varied list judging by a few of the bands I do know. I think expanding your musical horizons – maybe stepping out of your musical comfort zone a little – and listening to as much new music as possible is always a very a good thing (not to mention very rewarding!), so hey, if you’ve been slacking off a little with getting to know some of the more obscure Japanese bands, now is a good time to go and listen to a couple of Shay’s picks; I know I will!

In the second post he introduces us to an instrument called kaisatsuko, invented by one Onoue Yuichi. I had personally never heard of this instrument before and I found myself instantly thinking “wow, I want one!” There’s also a treat for all the Beatles fans here as Shay provides a video of the inventor of this instrument playing a beautiful rendition of one of the George Harrison-penned more atmospheric (or perhaps even psychedelic) Beatles pieces, “Within You Without You“.