Kill Your T.V. 09 sgt. Report

This show was a record release party that took over a large section of the Shibuya O-Nest complex. The record in question was a compilation called Kill Your T.V. 09, and a number of HearJapan artists played to celebrate the album’s release including, mudy on the sakuban, sgt., Aiha Higurashi and Loves!, MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS, Qomolangma Tomato and Luminous Orange.

At 7:00, instrumental post-rock group sgt., a quartet consisting of bass, drums, guitar and electric violin, took the stage at a part of O-Nest known as the 7th Floor, a narrow room with rows of tables and chairs set up in front of a small stage. This was the perfect location to see the group, whose music demands the kind of intimate environment the 7th Floor provides. As the band took the stage, the bassist welcomed the crowd as the guitarist and violinist plugged their instruments into vast pedalboards. After a quick count-off, they began their first song, a sprawling, heavy composition driven by an extremely tight rhythm section. Most of the lead parts are handled by the group’s violinist, leaving the guitarist free to explore textures and harmonies while the bassist and drummer lock in and propel the music forward. As the first song went on, the room quickly began to fill until people were lined up at the bar five or six deep.

After a few songs, the band paused so the bassist could thank the audience for coming and promote the CD (which will be available on HearJapan) and their new tour. Of particular interest is their upcoming show at Shinjuku Loft on October 15th, which will feature a second violinist. The band was quick to point out that this will not be an improvisational affair, but that their songs will instead be arranged for two violins. After this brief interlude, the band played one more song, a slow-building piece that ended in an explosion of sound that left the set on a triumphant note.