eX-Girl
eX-Girl is a Japanese synth pop band. They claim to hail from the planet Kero Kero. They are described as psychedelic, space rock, jazz fusion, jagged alternating vocal harmonies, sugary synthesiser pop, punk, prog, epic/atmospheric, noise-rock, wavering 3 part a capella, borderline operatic vocals, often in the space of a single song. Live performances are known to include home-made costume during the show, synchronised robot dancing and frog-related items. Enthusiastic supporters include Mike Patton and Jello Biafra:
“eX-Girl are a beautiful example of information overload. Jagged 3 part vocal harmonies, adventurous arrangements, and songs that hook you like the sucker that you are. Take all of these treats, wrap it in an ultra-bright technicolor live show with surreal homemade costumes, and you’ve got the sensation of being strapped in on an out-of-control carnival ride that will leave you standing in line waiting for another turn.” - Mike Patton
Alternative in every sense of the word they bear no direct similarities to other artists as a whole.
eX-Girl formed in late 1997, the brainchild of Hoppy Kamiyama who gathered a trio of females, each with a strong singing background. Despite having no previous musical instrument experience, the girls were already touring after a minimum of practice, even releasing their first album Heppoco Pou in 1998, six months after being founded by Kamiyama. A brief tour to the United States followed due to Heppoco Pou being accepted warmly on a San Francisco college radio station.
By 2002, eX-Girl had a new lady on guitar in the form of Keikos, formerly of Super Junky Monkey and were touring Finland to support the release of “Back To The Mono Kero” over there. Following this was possibly the biggest break for the band, being invited by Siouxsie & The Banshees to open for them for their United Kingdom tour, after having impressed them during their opening slot in the US tour leg. Further solo touring came afterwards along with recording of the Luna Rose single, used in a COSE lipstick commercial in Japan.
2003 saw another member, drummer Fuzuki, part ways with the band. Her replacement was Chapple, who brought another new dimension to the band’s sound. Keikos too parted ways after new material for the fifth album was completed, being replaced by Zorek. During a festival in San Francisco, former Dead Kennedys frontman and Alternative Tentacles label owner, Jello Biafra saw eX-Girl’s performance and praised the band greatly, offering to release their next album in the United States. In 2004, eX-Girl’s latest (and most polished) album, Endangered Species was released on the AT label.
This year sees the return of Keikos to the fold and new drummer Yoko, taking over duties from a departing Chapple.
Kirilo/Kirilola - Bassist, synth player, vocalist and co-writer of all material with band manager/producer Hoppy Kamiyama. The only remaining original member left, she tends to be the leading figure of the group and comes up with most of their costume designs.
Keikos - Guitarist and vocalist. Her entrance into the band brought a meatier guitar and more aggressive guitar sound, most likely due to her time in Super Junky Monkey. Replaced Chihiro, departed, returned to the fold again.
Yoko - Drums and vocals. The latest addition to the eX-Girl lineup, replacing Chapple.
eX-Girl in Helsinki
pop muzik
Tofu Song
Source: Wikipedia
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