Japanese Noise-Rock…adventurous or just a bit shit?

I have recently come across the strange music notion Japanese Noise-Rock. I doubt its true popularity as this is a genre of blaring, screeching and howling and somewhat uncomfortable experimental noise. This is distortion of electronic music in the most intense way.

With a limited audience in Japan as well as English-speaking countries, you can only access the ‘noise’ through imports – an expensive venture, made increasingly difficult with the language barrier.

Apparently, the musicians to look out for are Keiji Haino, the free jazz, noise-rock veteran and The Boredoms who have collaborated with the former. There is also the artist named Masami Akita who is seen as the purest champion of the genre. His work is harsh and shocking with an obsession of bondage and severe sexual themes, so maybe his work is not the place to start.

This music is alternative but a bit too much chaos for me so I think I’ll bow out of listening to anymore of this ear-shattering disturbance. This genre may continue to stay underground as its far-fetched distortion appears less musical than anything I’ve ever heard.

Adventurous or just a bit shit – feel free to make your own mind up by going online to check out The Boredoms at http://www.myspace.com/boredoms.