Source: Bounce.com
Zazen Boys announced Matsushita Atsushi is the band’s new drummer, following the departure of original member Ahito Inazawa. Matsushita has previously performed with Zoobombs and Buffalo Daughter, and he makes his first appearance with the band on April 28 at Shijuku Loft. Inazawa’s last performance with Zazen Boys was Countdown Japan 04/05 on Dec. 30.
Source: Bounce.com
Supercar announced on its official web site that it will disband. The group plays its final show at studio coast on Feb. 26. Each member of the band posted statements about the break-up on the site. Furukawa Miki stated Supercar created works from a new place in its 10 years together, but now everyone needs a bit of space. No specific reason was given behind the decision. A two-disc retrospective is planned for future release.
Source: Bounce.com
Number Girl will release a two-disc best album on March 2. Disc one includes the band’s most popular songs, while disc two includes b-sides. Although the band’s official site was shut down after its dissolution in 2002, it will be relaunched for a limited time to commemorate the release of the new album. After the band’s break-up, singer and main songwriter Mukai Shuutoku went on to form Zazen Boys, while guitarist Tabuchi Hisako joined bloodthirsty butchers.
Source: Bounce.com
bloodthirsty butchers will release a new album, tenatively titled banging the drums, on April 6. It’s been approximatley 13 months since the release of the band’s previous album, birdy, which features former Number Girl guitarist Tabuchi Hisako as a full-time member. For the new album, Tabuchi sings lead vocal on one track, while another finds the band’s members playing taiko drums. The new album is expected to feature a lot of experimentation. bloodthirsty butchers have kept busy since the release of birdy, participating in a number of summer festivals and touring with The Band Apart.
Source: Bounce.com
Boom Boom Satellites will release a new album, titled Full of Elevating Pleasures, on March 24. It’s the band’s newest album of original material since the release of Photon two years ago. Last year, Boom Boom Satellites worked on the soundtrack for the anime Appleseed and released a single, “Spine/Dive for You”. The electronica duo is scheduled to appear at the Sonic Mania festival in February, with a nationwide tour following.
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.
Source: Bounce.com
Jazz group PE’Z will release a new album, Tsukushinbo, on March 9. The band signed a new label deal with Roadrunner Japan, and plans are under way to release PE’Z’s music overseas. The ensemble’s albums have already been released in Taiwan and South Korea, where PE’Z has embarked on recent tours. In April, PE’Z hits the road again on a nationwide tour.
Source: Bounce.com
Quruli will release a new single, titled “Birthday”, on Feb. 23, 2005. It’ll be the first release of 2005 without drummer Christopher Maguire, who left band in 2004. Support musicians Dai Taroo and Horie Hirohisa participated in the single’s recording sessions. Dai and Horie are also members of the spin-off group Singer Songer, which features Quruli’s Kishida Shigeru and Cocco.
Source: Bounce.com
Keyboard player Satake Moyo announced he is leaving Nirgilis, citing creative differences as the reason for the split. Satake was one of the founding members of the band, which will continue as a quartet. Satake also announced plans to form a new band.
Source: Bounce.com
Former Judy and Mary singer Yuki will release her third album, Joy, on Feb. 23, 2005. In addition to the title track single to be released on Jan. 19, the 13-track album includes recent singles “Home Sweet Home” and “Hello Goodbye”. After taking time off to have a child, Yuki returned in 2004 with new releases and a nationwide tour. On March 2, 2005, the singer releases two DVD titles, a video clip collection titled Yuki Video and a concert DVD, Sweet Home Rock ‘n’ Roll Tour.