This weeks Shine A Light Sunday features Holiday In Tokyo the lo-fi masters from Consett County Durham who's last single 'The Swing' also featured in this blog. As well as telling you a bit about the band they've also just released the EP Las Yucas Is Overgrown, so I'll let you know what I think this release also.
Holiday in Tokyo was started by Matthew Rogers and Thomas Randell, as way of to bring themselves out their anxieties about young-adult life, by putting them into musical form.
Taking inspiration from lo-fi instrumentalist, Nile Rodgers funk and modern indie songwriters like Nulifer Yanya, Liz lawrence and Courtney Barnett, they quickly found a unique sound. With a few songs under their belt they enlisted the help of pianist Jack McAllister and drummer Richard O'Neill to start recording.
Las Yucas is Overgrown collects the bands initial steps into the big, wide world of being independent artists. Recorded in part during a live session at Blast Recording Studious in Newcastle Upon Tyne, the EP was finished at home during the COVID-19 lockdown. The tracks "Drift Away" and "Pemberton Road" were recorded in guitarist Tom's bedroom, providing more creative freedom and allowing the band to lean heavily into their love of bedroom-pop.
Despite this being an eight track EP it's an incredibly versatile group of songs showcasing just how talented these lads are, it's an amuse bouche of what this band can produce. They've laid on something that's going to get your musical appetite well and truly salivating, no matter what your taste is. I'm actually blown away at how many great songs are on this record.
My own personal favourites are 'Annoy Me' which starts off with a gorgeous riff, 'Pemberton Road' the gorgeous piano and electronic beats in this are perhaps a strange marriage but it works so well.
The EP delves into the frustrations against small town attitudes, nostalgia addiction and the effect of social media on relationships while highlighting the importance of love and remembering good times. The title comes from a trip to an old childhood resort as seen through the lens of adult eyes, bringing out a sudden urge to move forward, rather than looking back.
The band now look forward so a run of support gigs in early 2021 as well as a headline show at the legendary Tynemouth Surf Cafe in June -ticket links below and subject to change of dates due to COVID
Humanist, Think Tank? Underground- 3rd Feb
Deep.Sleep, Think Tank?- 6th Feb
Men Behind the Sun, Bobik's- 26th Mar
Martha Hill, Old Cinema Laundrette (solo set)- 23rd Apr
Tynemouth Surf Cafe 19th June
Summing this band/album up in one word - poised!
For fans of The National, Band Of Horses, Bon Iver, Big Thief, beabadoobee, Fleet Foxes, Walking on Cars, Saint Raymond
Holiday In Tokyo Spotify
Any artists looking to collaborate with Dreaminisfree please email me debbie@dreaminisfree.co.uk - EPK or Press releases are optional!