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, at all times underpinned by the mastery of Saito's fluid guitar and distinctive keyboards. Extensive touring followed with the band honing its inspired live show to the delight of audiences around Japan. In February 2009, the band released a twelve-inch featuring remixes of the song "Migrant" from the album.

iFLYER