Cargo Records

Seadrum/House of Sun

There may be no other band in the world that has traced an evolution as simultaneously varied yet focused as Japan's Boredoms.

Across nearly 20 years, founder and leader Eye has taken the band on the equivalent of a road trip, from the early swamps of chaos through times of tribal frenzy, oceanic tranquility, and even near prog-rock sonic constructions. Perhaps most remarkable is the unceasing commitment to vision above all else, and the effects of that commitment. It would be difficult to overstate the importance of the Boredoms in the Japanese and American indie music scene. Much like the rise of punk rock 10 years earlier, the mere existence of a band like the Boredoms inspired and influenced countless young people to pick up instruments and make a racket. From their associations with bands like Sonic Youth and the Beastie Boys (including Yoshimi's side-project Free Kitten with SY's Kim Gordon) to their explosive tours through the U.S. and Europe, the Boredoms were responsible for opening the eyes of listeners in this country to the possibilities of the Japanese music scene. After all, Yoshimi was even namechecked in a Flaming Lips album title. THE ALBUM Seadrum/House of Sun, was edited from recording sessions spanning a couple of years ( including some with former guitarist Yamamoto). As the name hints, some of it was recorded at the beach, with the tide coming in as they played. The two lengthy tracks comprising the new album manage a paradoxical blending of peaceful waves of sound with intense, churning rhythmic moments.