04.17 (Wed)
Formed in 1997, Tokyo-based 9dw (nine days wonder) have already gained legendary status in their native country and are fast developing a reputation outside. The band initially started out as a jagged, hardcore fused math-pop outfit that cris-crossed Japan, wowing audiences wherever they went, helped along by a handful of releases on their own fledgling Catune label. Overseas interest soon followed with records on San Francisco-based Dim Mak and Czech based Day After Records (the latter resulting in a seven country tour of Europe in 2004) Line-up changes saw the band placed on hold in 2006, becoming a solo project for founding member Kensuke Saito. Experimenting in the studio with more soulful, funky forms, 9dw re-emerged in 2007 with a brand new sound and band members to boot. Drafting in old friends Koji Sato (drums) Jota Sato (bass) and Ryota Hayashida (synths, engineering), the first release from the new line-up was a self-titled three-track EP "EP2007" which clearly mapped out the new direction. A eponomously titled full-length album followed in April 2008, winning widespread praise and acclaim both in Japan and overseas for its effortless fusion of funk, jazz and electronics,...
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