The pulsing, looping all-girl Japanese trio Nisennenmondai (translated “Year 2000 Problem”) don’t bother hiding or obscuring their influences: Their forthcoming Neiji/Tori includes song titles like “This Heat” and “Sonic Youth.” You could also add Neu!, a heavy dose of No New York with (again) longer Kraut-style reps, a bit of Lighting Bolt (see “2534″), and some of Silver Apples’ and ESG’s swing. Don’t get the wrong idea, though, it’s not simply old sounds rehashed: The group puts their own twist on groove-based, gloriously repetitious noise-rock.
Sayaka Himeno (drums), Yuri Zaikawa (bass), and Masako Takada (guitar) have been playing together for almost a decade, have big supporters/fans themselves (Hella, Prefuse 73, Plastic Crimewave Sound, etc.) … Neiji/Tori is just their first international release outside of Japan. The album’s opener is the ecstatic “Pop Group.” The heavily distorted, percussive opening might make you think of Liars.
You can hear more and check out their European tour dates at MySpace.
Neji/Tori is out 7/29 on Smalltown Supersound.



































I’ll be the first to admit ever since “Makenshi Radio”, I’ve been quite happy to hear any new Japanese music. Thanks for introducing this one to me.