Source: Bounce.com
Art-School will release a new album on Oct. 5. It’s been two years since the release of the band’s third album, and since then, Art-School traveled to Glasgow, Scotland, to work with producer Tony Doogan (Quruli, Mogwai, Belle and Sebastian). The still untitled album includes guest appearances by Barry Burns of Mogwai, Emma of the Delgados and Japanese art-pop singer ACO. Art-School performs at the Rock in Japan festival on Aug. 5.
Source: Bounce.com
Art-School announced it will switch labels with the release of its next mini-album in June. Art-School had previously been signed to Toshiba-EMI, but after releasing two limited-edition independent releases through Tower Records last year, the band will now record for Pony Canyon. Ato 10-hyoo, a five-track EP, will hit stores on June 22. The title track of the release has been a popular song in the band’s live shows. Art-School is still planning to record its next full-length album with Flaming Lips, Number Girl producer Dave Fridmann.
Source: Bounce.com
Art-School will release a new mini-album titled Lost in the Air on Feb. 9. The six-track EP will be sold for a limited time only through Tower Records. The band is also scheduling a nationwide tour after having performed at Countdown Japan 04/05.
Kinoshita Riki is a master of the hook.
When “Mizu no Naka no Knife” opens up Love/Hate, those first four chords are a paragon of utter simplicity. Once Kinoshita has reeled listeners in with that riff, there’s no way to shake off the rest of the album.
Love/Hate is an embarrassment of riches, a collection of the best hook writing assembled on one disc. From start to finish, the album hurtles at a brisk pace, tossing one perfect pop song after another.
It’s tough to single out a particular brilliant moment on this album because there’s absolutely no filler — every track is consistently strong, and it pretty much boils down to personal taste.
(My favorites: “Mizu no Naka no Knife”, “Evil”, “Skirt” and “Sonnet”)
Art-School borrows a lot from the Weezer playbook, from the big, doubled-up guitar sound to Kinoshita’s off-key holler. And of course, the loud-soft dynamic so intrinsic in 90s-era alt-rock is in full force.
But the comparrisons end there — if anything, Kinoshita is a better writer than Rivers Cuomo.
The chemistry between the band members, however, is an equally forceful presence. Kinoshita, drummer Sakurai Yuuichi, guitarist Ooyama Jun and bassist Hinata Hideki perform with an uncommon rock-solid timing.
On “Apathy’s Last Night”, the band plays interlocking parts during the verses, only to come together rhythmically in chorus. “Butterfly Kiss” seethes with a passion that builds as the song progresses.
The most dramatic moment on Love/Hate happens during “Skirt”. The song whittles down to just acoustic guitar and bass, but little by little, more instruments enter in till the entire song explodes.
Not since Number Girl have four people produced such a precise, dynamic sound. Oddly enough, Hinata left Art-School to join Number Girl’s Mukai Shuutoku in Zazen Boys. Ooyama quit due to exhaustion.
It’s no exaggeration to call Love/Hate one of the best albums to be released in the last 12 months. (It’s going on my 2004 favorite list, even if it was released in December 2003.)
For one set of songs to be consistently excellent from the first note to the last is a rarity to be hearlded.
Source: Bounce.com
Art-School will release a 6-song mini album titled Scarlet on Aug. 4. Two days later, the band hits the stage at the Rock in Japan festival. In April, Art-School introduced its two newest members at a free live show in Shibuya. Kodaka Kenshi and Uno Takeshi replace Hinata Hideki and Ooyama Jun, both of whom left the band at the end of 2003.
Source: Bounce.com
Art-School announced on its web site details of a live album to be released March 17. The album, titled Boys Don’t Cry, contains 23 tracks recorded at Club Quattro in Nagoya, Big Cat in Osaka and Liquid Room in Shinjuku. Art-School filmed the Liquid Room performance, which was the final date of that tour, for a DVD to accompany the album.
Source: Bounce.com
Art-School has begun searching for a new bass player, the band’s official site reported. The site did not say whether the band will hold open auditions. Original bass player Hinata Hidekazu announced in December 2003 he was leaving the band to pursue other projects. Guitarist Ooyama Jun also said he was leaving but cited fatigue for his reason.
The site also reports Art-School will release a live album in March, as well as begin recording sessions with Number Girl and Flaming Lips producer Dave Fridmann.
Source: Bounce.com
Two original members of Art-School are leaving, the band’s official site announced. Guitarist Ooyama Shun cited fatigue as his reason for leaving, while bassist Hinata Hidekazu announced his intention to pursue other projects. Hinata recently recorded with ex-Number Girl Mukai Shuutoku’s new band, Zazen Boys. The remaining members of the 4-piece band intend to continue, but in what form has yet to be determined. Ooyama and Hinata will perform on the band’s remaining tour dates this year.