Source: Bounce.com
Dragon Ash releases its newest single in nearly a year, titled “Crush the Window”, on June 1. The title track of the single has been described as a having a floating mood with a drum ‘n’ bass beat. The band’s previous single was “Shade”, released in July 2004. Dt., the solo project of Dragon Ash member Hiroki, recently released Old no Rookie.
Source: Bounce.com
Singer Songer, a new band featuring Cocco and members of Quruli, launched its official site. The band includes guitarist Kishida Shigeru, bassist Satou Masashi, Cornelius keyboardist Hirohisa Horie and FEED drummer Dai Tarou. They first got together in the studio, when Cocco recorded “Sing a Song ~No Music, No Love Life~” for Tower Records’ 25th anniversary. Singer Songer made its live debut opening for Quruli at the end of 2004. The web site states Singer Songer makes its debut in May 2005.
Source: Bounce.com
A retrospective collection the indie-era recordings of Straightener, titled Early Years, hits stores on April 13. The drum and guitar-vocal duo released three mini-albums from 2000 to 2002 — Straighten It Up, Skeletonized and Error. The band also release a split EP with the PeteBest titled Dragorum. Early Years compiles these works on a 22-track album. Straightener released its second studio album, Title, in January 2005.
Source: Bounce.com
Spitz will release a new single, “Haru no Uta”, on April 20. The single’s title track is the lead song from the band’s most recent album, Souvenir. The single also includes the coupling track, “Teku Teku”. On the same day, a vinyl version of Souvenir hits stores.
Source: Bounce.com
Mukai Shuutoku will write music for a new movie by Kudou Kankurou, titled Mayonaka no Yajisan Kitasan. The film is expected to be premiered next spring and stars Nagase Tomoya (TOKIO) and Nakamura Shinnosuke. The soundtrack album to be released on April 13 includes the tracks “Tankui”, “Yaji x Kita” and “Yaji x Kitabeat”, “Yaji x Kita Psychedelic”, “Yaji x Kitakabuki” and other songs performed by Zazen Boys. In addition, Nagase and Nakamura perform “Tokaido de Ikou” and “Mayonaka no Yajisan Kitasan” in the movie.
Source: Bounce.com
Since January 2004, ex-Number Girl bassist Nakao Kentaro has been a member of a new band named Spiral Chord. The band was formed in 2003 by Chikurin Gendou of Cowpers and Hera of 200MPH. Spiral Chord releases its debut album, Noonai Friction on April 27. The album includes completed versions of all five songs found on the band’s demo tape sold at its live shows. In addition to four new songs, Spiral Chord covers the Ramones’ “I Wanna Live”. Spiral Chord first appeared on the Rocket from the Crypt tribute album, A Case of RFTC Junkies, which also included Naht and BBQ Chickens.
Source: Bounce.com
Jazz singer Ann-Sally releases a new album, tenatively titled Brand New Orleans, on April 27. The album is the first Ann-Sally produced herself, and she enlists a number of New Orleans-based musicians to perform with her. Ann-Sally became interested in New Orleans music during an extended stay in the city. A limited edition first pressing of the album will include a bonus CD.
Source: Bounce.com
After leaving Zazen Boys at the end of 2004, drummer Ahito Inazawa announced the formation of a new band named Vola and the Oriental Machine. Inazawa, going by the moniker Vola, takes on vocal, guitar and drumming duties for his new band. Inazawa’s bandmates include guitarist Aoki Yutaka (downy), bassist Arie Yoshinori and drummer Nakahata Daiki (syrup 16g).
In related news, Spiral Chord, featuring former Number Girl bandmate Nakao Kentaro, releases its debut album, Noonai Friction, on April 27.
Source: Bounce.com
The Back Horn will release a new album titled Headphone Children on March 16. A limited edition first pressing of the album will include a DVD with a video clip of “Kiseki”, the theme song for the movie Zoo. It’s been nearly a year and half since the release of the band’s previous album, Ikiru Sainou. Since then, the Back Horn released three singles — “Yume no Hana”, “Cobalt Blue” and “Kizuna Song”.
Source: Bounce.com
UA will release a new album on March 30. Little Creatures’ Suzuki Masato is joined by guitarist Uchihashi Kazuhito on the still untitled album. Suzuki joined UA on her last tour, documented on the live album, la. 2004’s Sun found the singer experimenting with her sound. In 2005, UA celebrates the 10th anniversary of her debut.