The greatest compliment a Japanese rock band can get is that they don't sound remotely Japanese. If that's the standard, then ALL OFF is bang on course, at least if you like clean pop punk with an emo and metal twist.
The first time I heard them, I was sure they were the usual brattish group of suburban US kids in skater fashion trying to sound soulful, but, no, this five-piece, led by vocalist Sohei Matsuura, are all homegrown.
This self-produced demo melds catchy pop melodies and punk tempos as on album opener "Find Yourself Tonight" while "I'll Be There" mines the slightly sappy seam of teen self-discovery.
Then there's the ABBA effect: lyrics like "I need a place to feel alive" that a native speaker might feel embarrassed by, take on a new directness and unexpected poignancy when delivered by someone in their second language unaware of their naffness.
The first time I heard them, I was sure they were the usual brattish group of suburban US kids in skater fashion trying to sound soulful, but, no, this five-piece, led by vocalist Sohei Matsuura, are all homegrown.
This self-produced demo melds catchy pop melodies and punk tempos as on album opener "Find Yourself Tonight" while "I'll Be There" mines the slightly sappy seam of teen self-discovery.
Then there's the ABBA effect: lyrics like "I need a place to feel alive" that a native speaker might feel embarrassed by, take on a new directness and unexpected poignancy when delivered by someone in their second language unaware of their naffness.
All Off play Yokohama Club Lizard, Jan 26 and Ikebukuro Black Hole, Jan 29
Colin Liddell
Metropolis
17 January, 2011
I am happy to be recognized this band to UK.
ReplyDeletepure and subtle feeling that they sing was on behalf of the youth.