Japandroids

Posted by Christopher Grzan

THE SKINNY: Japandroids is a two-piece rock outfit that is radiating with palpable high energy, relentless power chords, and aggressive vocals.

WEBSITE: http://japandroids.com
MYSPACE: http://myspace.com/japandroids
PURCHASE: Amazon, via Polyvinyl

"Face melting" is a term that has been used and abused to the point of nausea by people who tend to mock the aggression and energy put forth by simple approaches to song-writing and performance. It can also be used to mock heavy metal, but that is neither here nor there. In the post-modern aesthetic that we currently find ourselves entrenched in, it becomes increasingly difficult to discard the ironic perceptions and the unwarranted comparisons to the old. What I'm trying to say here is this: Is it possible to just appreciate a kick ass rock band anymore? Can we enjoy some good old-fashioned face melting?

Japandroids are doing their best to answer that question with a resounding "Yes." One very vigorous drummer. One very loud guitarist. Two very passionate singers. Lyrics are overflowing with all of the teen angst that a "One Tree Hill" fan could possibly endure. It's safe to say that the amps are turned up to 11, the drum fills are sloppy and careless, and the singing is slightly annoying. It all blends together for a brand of music that makes you want to jump on a pogo stick in your apartment while eating rainbow twizzlers and grinning from ear to ear.

Pretentious critics have described their sound with the following terms: "Noise Rock" (...? What does that even mean?) and "Lo-fi" (Which is a term used by musical tools and faux anthropologists to say that the recording quality of your music sounds like shit, but it sounds like shit on purpose). Do yourself a favor and avoid the critiques and reviews. Listen to their latest album, entitled Post Nothing, and envision that you're in a cramped VFW hall, and the walls are vibrating from the decibels of sound that are permeating the entire venue. After that, I guarantee that you will appreciate the powerful rock force that is this duo from Vancouver, British Columbia.

"Wet Hair" off of Post-Nothing:

FAVORITE TRACK: "The Boys are Leaving Town"
FOR FANS OF: Cymbals Eat Guitars, Wavves