Japanther – ‘Instant Money Magic’ (Released 15.4.2014 via Seayou Records)
Japanther are a band known globally for wild antics, hedonistic shows and a recently released graffiti video. Formed in 2001 by Ian Vanek and Matt Reilly, Japanther are a punk band, the kind that has all but been wiped from the face of the Earth. Live performances have included such feats as playing out the back of trucks, on top of the Williamsburg Bridge and alongside synchronised swimmers. ‘Instant Money Magic’ is the band’s latest LP, and is due for release on the 15th of April.
The first track ‘Wiggmann’ opens with a clipped and chopped vocal loop, as do the majority of the tracks. After this, repetitive punk kicks in, which proves to be both contemporary and sweet. It echoes euphoria, the type experienced on summer fields with a four pack of beer. The next track, ‘Dreams Come True’, has an arcade like sound which renders the head unable to stop nodding, just as any great track should. ‘Guns Guns Guns’, which features Total Warr, is a dreamy number that uses the familiarly high vocals. ‘Do It’, which is perhaps the signature track of the album, is as fast paced as the rest of the album. ‘Song Of The Sun’ follows a similar tune, bearing the characteristic summer nostalgia feel that Japanther create so well. ‘Onandoga’ is my favourite track, preclosing the album powerfully.
JAPANTHER – DO IT (don’t try it) by DROID 907 from William Teeth on Vimeo.
Whilst punk is not really my niche, I enjoyed listening to ‘Instant Money Magic’, especially considering that the most welcomed season is upon our doorstep. It conjures up images of relaxing in the parks of a big metropolis, of skateboarding youths and cheap alcohol. Japanther are beginning a tour on the 9th of March, which will snake its way through several destinations in the US. 7.8
Jamie Morrell
Japanther on Tour
* with Tiny Moving Parts
3/9: Brooklyn, NY @ Saint Vitus*
3/10: Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter*
3/11: W. Columbia, SC @ Conundrum Hall*
3/12: Mobile, AL @ Alabama Music Box*
3/13: Tallahassee, FL @ Shark Tank
3/15: Austin, TX – SXSW @ Parish Underground (Crash Avenue Official Showcase), 1am
3/16: Dallas, TX @ Club Dada (Spillover Festival)
3/17: Oklahoma City, OK @ Arahaham House*
3/19: St Louis, MO @ The Gargoyle Basement
3/20: Nashville, TN @ The End*
3/21: Atlanta, GA @ The Earl*
3/22: Greenville, NC @ The Tipsy Teapot (Spazz Fest)
3/23: Asheville, NC @ Static Age
3/24: Frederick, MD @ Cafe 611*
3/27: Brooklyn, NY @ The Flat
3/28: Chicago, IL @ Reggies Rock Club
3/29: Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
3/30: Englewood, CO @ Moes
3/31: Salt Lake City, UT @ Shred Shed
4/1: Reno, NV @ Holland Project