Redrum (Japanese Band)
Encyclopedia
Redrum is a Japan
ese indie rock
band who formed in 1996 with the decisive goal of becoming a band similar to Portishead for Japan. The members of the band consist of Yumi (vocals), Tsuyoshi (guitar) and Kazi (drums). The role of bassist officially changed two times and was helmed primarily by Soto who joined the band early on and stayed until his departure in December 2004. Their catalogue of works consists of only a few proper albums, several mini albums and maxi singles. Some of their releases were available exclusively through mail order or at their shows and have since become out of print.
In April 2006 the band announced that they would be going on an indefinite hiatus after they finished their 10th anniversary tour which ended in June. Kazi stressed that this was not a break-up and that all band members vowed to return in the future. In March 2007 the band followed through with their word and announced their comeback live which is to take place on April 22, 2007. With this announcement came the news that long-standing bassist Soto would rejoin the band after having left in late 2004. They released a "best of" album on November 19, 2008 entitled Cinematic Sound Foundation and followed up with an announcement of the band's disbandment. Yumi decided to retire from music and after a discussion with the band it was decided that Redrum could no longer exist without her or with a replacement singer. Kazi has stated that he, Tsuyoshi and Soto would eventually perform together in some capacity. The band embarked on their last tour entitled "Tomorrow Never Comes" and their final live took place on April 25, 2009 at Shinjuku Loft.
's The Shining
and is the reverse of the word 'murder
'. Redrum songs have the occasional line played in reverse which could take homage to their namesake but more than likely pay respect to the red room sequences in Twin Peaks
, David Lynch
's television series involving strange happenings related to a small town murder. The band's, and specifically Kazi's, appreciation of the works of both David Lynch and David Cronenberg
are referenced thematically through many songs.
, John Frusciante
, Radiohead
, Portishead, Massive Attack
, Aphex Twin
and Björk
to name a few. Locally they have taken cues from contemporaries on the indie scene like honeydip, The Back Horn
, nil
, Cock Roach, Anoyo, and Durga
, as well 1980's groups such as Gastunk
, The Blue Hearts
, ARB
, The Roosters
and The Stalin
.
Their first bassist Jyunji was unreliable during their first year as Redrum and became unreachable for a week or two at a time and would nonchalantly tell his bandmates that he was 'busy'. He was soonafter kicked out of the band and a bulletin at live houses and in magazines was posted looking for a new bassist:
"Bassist Urgently Needed!
For a Vocalist (22), Guitarist (24), and Drummer (23).
To make a band in the likes of Portishead, Massive Attack, Tricky, the Bristol sound of music, and even Radiohead and Björk, in Japanese with such a raw sound!"
Soto Hiroshi responded to the advertisement and band leader Kazi was initially skeptical that this 30 year old salary man would fit in with the band whose members were barely in their mid 20's. Soto also had different musical tastes than the rest of the band and this brought some hesitation with the band. But after meeting with Soto they extended the invitation for him to join the band which he accepted in January 1997. Throughout the year they performed and rehearsed in the studio crafting such songs as 'Sad Song' (which would later become shinbigan to Paradoxs tamashii no hana), Room, Blue Velvet, Cherry Pie, and midori no sabaku to name a few.
Kazi: Isn't that the guy from Luna Sea
?
Yumi: Really?
Tsuyoshi: Yeah, it looks like.
Soto: Hmm, sorry, I don't know.
Kazi who walked around with a demo tape in his pocket at all times mustered up enough courage to approach him. To his surprise, Sugizo
was quite sociable and told Kazi to give him his phone number so he could call him about his thoughts on the tape. Eventually Sugizo called and said he had just heard the tape and was surprisingly floored by it and wanted Redrum to be the first band to be signed by his newly formed label Embryo. Kazi immediately called the other band members and they were all surprised considering they weren't in the style of 'Visual kei
' which Luna Sea was noted for.
They met Sugizo again to formally accept his offer and the band soon went into the studio to record their 1st Maxi Single
'Redrum' with Sugizo as recording engineer, L'Arc-en-Ciel and Buck-Tick
's Guitar Technician, and The Star Club
's Hiro as Drum Tuner. Eventually The Mad Capsule Markets
' engineer Koni-Yang finished the engineering process. After playing the final mix each member of the band was equally floored by the quality of their recording because of the combined efforts of the talented technicians.
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese indie rock
Indie rock
Indie rock is a genre of alternative rock that originated in the United Kingdom and the United States in the 1980s. Indie rock is extremely diverse, with sub-genres that include lo-fi, post-rock, math rock, indie pop, dream pop, noise rock, space rock, sadcore, riot grrrl and emo, among others...
band who formed in 1996 with the decisive goal of becoming a band similar to Portishead for Japan. The members of the band consist of Yumi (vocals), Tsuyoshi (guitar) and Kazi (drums). The role of bassist officially changed two times and was helmed primarily by Soto who joined the band early on and stayed until his departure in December 2004. Their catalogue of works consists of only a few proper albums, several mini albums and maxi singles. Some of their releases were available exclusively through mail order or at their shows and have since become out of print.
In April 2006 the band announced that they would be going on an indefinite hiatus after they finished their 10th anniversary tour which ended in June. Kazi stressed that this was not a break-up and that all band members vowed to return in the future. In March 2007 the band followed through with their word and announced their comeback live which is to take place on April 22, 2007. With this announcement came the news that long-standing bassist Soto would rejoin the band after having left in late 2004. They released a "best of" album on November 19, 2008 entitled Cinematic Sound Foundation and followed up with an announcement of the band's disbandment. Yumi decided to retire from music and after a discussion with the band it was decided that Redrum could no longer exist without her or with a replacement singer. Kazi has stated that he, Tsuyoshi and Soto would eventually perform together in some capacity. The band embarked on their last tour entitled "Tomorrow Never Comes" and their final live took place on April 25, 2009 at Shinjuku Loft.
Name and themes
The band's name comes most notably from Stephen KingStephen King
Stephen Edwin King is an American author of contemporary horror, suspense, science fiction and fantasy fiction. His books have sold more than 350 million copies and have been adapted into a number of feature films, television movies and comic books...
's The Shining
The Shining (novel)
The Shining is a 1977 horror novel by American author Stephen King. The title was inspired by the John Lennon song "Instant Karma!", which contained the line "We all shine on…". It was King's third published novel, and first hardback bestseller, and the success of the book firmly established King...
and is the reverse of the word 'murder
Murder
Murder is the unlawful killing, with malice aforethought, of another human being, and generally this state of mind distinguishes murder from other forms of unlawful homicide...
'. Redrum songs have the occasional line played in reverse which could take homage to their namesake but more than likely pay respect to the red room sequences in Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks is an American television serial drama created by David Lynch and Mark Frost. The series follows the investigation headed by FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper , of the murder of a popular teenager and homecoming queen, Laura Palmer...
, David Lynch
David Lynch
David Keith Lynch is an American filmmaker, television director, visual artist, musician and occasional actor. Known for his surrealist films, he has developed his own unique cinematic style, which has been dubbed "Lynchian", and which is characterized by its dream imagery and meticulous sound...
's television series involving strange happenings related to a small town murder. The band's, and specifically Kazi's, appreciation of the works of both David Lynch and David Cronenberg
David Cronenberg
David Paul Cronenberg, OC, FRSC is a Canadian filmmaker, screenwriter and actor. He is one of the principal originators of what is commonly known as the body horror or venereal horror genre. This style of filmmaking explores people's fears of bodily transformation and infection. In his films, the...
are referenced thematically through many songs.
Inspirations
Musically speaking, the band takes inspiration from such Western acts as Red Hot Chili PeppersRed Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers is an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles in 1983. The group's musical style primarily consists of rock with an emphasis on funk, as well as elements from other genres such as punk, hip hop and psychedelic rock...
, John Frusciante
John Frusciante
John Anthony Frusciante is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, record and film producer. He is best known as the former lead guitarist of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, with whom he had been for a number of years and recorded five studio albums...
, Radiohead
Radiohead
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992...
, Portishead, Massive Attack
Massive Attack
Massive Attack are an English DJ and trip hop duo from Bristol, England consisting of Robert "3D" Del Naja and Grant "Daddy G" Marshall. Working with co-producers, as well as various session musicians and guest vocalists, they make records and tour live. The duo are considered to be of the trip...
, Aphex Twin
Aphex Twin
Richard David James , best known under the pseudonym Aphex Twin, is an Irish-born electronic musician and composer described as "the most inventive and influential figure in contemporary electronic music"...
and Björk
Björk
Björk Guðmundsdóttir , known as Björk , is an Icelandic singer-songwriter. Her eclectic musical style has achieved popular acknowledgement and popularity within many musical genres, such as rock, jazz, electronic dance music, classical and folk...
to name a few. Locally they have taken cues from contemporaries on the indie scene like honeydip, The Back Horn
The Back Horn
is a Japanese alternative rock band, formed in Tokyo, Japan in 1998.-History:The band got started around April in 1998, when the original members all came to Tokyo from the countryside where they all lived, all for different reasons. They met, and decided to start a band. First called Gyorai, they...
, nil
Nil (Japanese band)
Nil is a Japanese rock band that was formed in 1998 by Tetsu Takano , Hiroyuki Kashimoto and Kyoshi Moro. The original intent of Nil was to become Tetsu's solo unit and even though it has become a full fledged band, all lyrics and songwriting has been solely handled by Tetsu...
, Cock Roach, Anoyo, and Durga
Durga
For the 1985 Hindi Film of Rajesh Khanna see DurgaaIn Hinduism, Durga ; ; meaning "the inaccessible" or "the invincible"; , durga) or Maa Durga "one who can redeem in situations of utmost distress" is a form of Devi, the supremely radiant goddess, depicted as having eighteen arms, riding a lion...
, as well 1980's groups such as Gastunk
Gastunk
Gastunk is an influential Japanese rock band, first active from 1983 to 1988. They reunited in 1999 and 2006 for reunion concerts, but officially restarted activities in 2010.- Members :...
, The Blue Hearts
The Blue Hearts
was a popular Japanese punk rock band that performed from the mid-1980s to the early-1990s. In 2003, they were ranked by HMV Japan as number 19 on their list of 100 most important Japanese pop acts...
, ARB
Arb (band)
ARB is a Japanese rock band formed in 1978. Its members are Ryo Ishibashi, Koya Naito, Ebi, and Keith.-Singles:* 'Norainu' * 'Wild lowteen girl' * 'Tamashii Kogashite'...
, The Roosters
The Roosters
The Roosters were a Japanese rock band that mixed punk, blues-rock, ska and straightforward rock and roll.-History:They formed in 1979 in the Hakata ward of Fukuoka. Although there were four different lineups throughout the life of the band—all centered around guitarist Hiroyuki Hanada--Shinya Ohe...
and The Stalin
The Stalin
were an influential Japanese punk rock band formed in June 1980, by leader and vocalist Michiro Endo. After numerous member changes, he disbanded the group in February 1985. In May 1987 Michiro formed a group called Video Stalin, which mostly made videos instead of albums, they disbanded in 1988...
.
Formation
Redrum is a 4-piece band that was started with the notion of 'making Japan's very own Portishead-like band'. In 1996, drummer Kazihara Kouji, stagename Kazi, made this declaration to guitarist Takeuchi Tsuyoshi whom he had met at a former job and soon after became acquainted with vocalist Kitayama Yumi and the three started Redrum to fulfill this ambitious goal.Their first bassist Jyunji was unreliable during their first year as Redrum and became unreachable for a week or two at a time and would nonchalantly tell his bandmates that he was 'busy'. He was soonafter kicked out of the band and a bulletin at live houses and in magazines was posted looking for a new bassist:
"Bassist Urgently Needed!
For a Vocalist (22), Guitarist (24), and Drummer (23).
To make a band in the likes of Portishead, Massive Attack, Tricky, the Bristol sound of music, and even Radiohead and Björk, in Japanese with such a raw sound!"
Soto Hiroshi responded to the advertisement and band leader Kazi was initially skeptical that this 30 year old salary man would fit in with the band whose members were barely in their mid 20's. Soto also had different musical tastes than the rest of the band and this brought some hesitation with the band. But after meeting with Soto they extended the invitation for him to join the band which he accepted in January 1997. Throughout the year they performed and rehearsed in the studio crafting such songs as 'Sad Song' (which would later become shinbigan to Paradoxs tamashii no hana), Room, Blue Velvet, Cherry Pie, and midori no sabaku to name a few.
Embryonic Years
Their big break came by chance when the members went to a Massive Attack concert at Ebisu Garden Hall in June 1998. Standing outside the live house Kazi noticed a man standing around.Kazi: Isn't that the guy from Luna Sea
Luna Sea
Luna Sea is a rock band from Kanagawa, Japan, formed in 1989. The band was initially founded by bassist J and rhythm guitarist Inoran, when they were in high school. They soon recruited lead guitarist and violinist Sugizo, drummer Shinya and vocalist Ryuichi, a lineup that has remained the same...
?
Yumi: Really?
Tsuyoshi: Yeah, it looks like.
Soto: Hmm, sorry, I don't know.
Kazi who walked around with a demo tape in his pocket at all times mustered up enough courage to approach him. To his surprise, Sugizo
Sugizo
, born , is a Japanese musician, singer-songwriter and record producer. Referred to by his stage name Sugizo, he is best known as lead guitarist of the rock band Luna Sea, who were popular in the 1990s. He started his solo career in 1997 and has since collaborated with many artists...
was quite sociable and told Kazi to give him his phone number so he could call him about his thoughts on the tape. Eventually Sugizo called and said he had just heard the tape and was surprisingly floored by it and wanted Redrum to be the first band to be signed by his newly formed label Embryo. Kazi immediately called the other band members and they were all surprised considering they weren't in the style of 'Visual kei
Visual Kei
is a movement among Japanese musicians, that is characterized by the use of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics. Some sources state that visual kei refers to a music genre, or to a sub-genre of Japanese rock, with its...
' which Luna Sea was noted for.
They met Sugizo again to formally accept his offer and the band soon went into the studio to record their 1st Maxi Single
Maxi single
A maxi single or maxi-single is a music single release with more than the usual two tracks of an a-side song and a b-side song.-The first maxi singles:...
'Redrum' with Sugizo as recording engineer, L'Arc-en-Ciel and Buck-Tick
Buck-Tick
Buck-Tick is a rock band formed in 1983 in Fujioka, Japan. The band has consisted of Atsushi Sakurai , Hisashi Imai , Hidehiko Hoshino , Yutaka Higuchi and Toll Yagami for the majority of its existence...
's Guitar Technician, and The Star Club
The Star Club
is a Japanese punk rock band that was formed in Nagoya in 1977 and has been based in Tokyo since 1987. The band has had a long career with numerous lineup changes centred on original vocalist HIKAGE. The band is considered representative of Japanese punk....
's Hiro as Drum Tuner. Eventually The Mad Capsule Markets
The Mad Capsule Markets
The Mad Capsule Markets were a Japanese band that formed in 1990 and were active until 2006...
' engineer Koni-Yang finished the engineering process. After playing the final mix each member of the band was equally floored by the quality of their recording because of the combined efforts of the talented technicians.
Current
- Kitayama Yumi (Vocals)
- Takeuchi Tsuyoshi (Guitars)
- Kouji Kajiwara (Drums) Band Leader
- Hiroshi Soto (Bass 1997-2004, 2007)
Albums
- Second Circle (2000.04.28 ORA-1018)
- Cronenberg (2001.11.16)
- 4 (2002.12.14)
- Too Young to Fall in Love (2003.06.11 IFRDU-0028)
- Arizona Dream (2003.12.16 IFRDU-0030)
- Shinbigan to Paradox (2004.12.08 IFRDU-0032)
- Cinematic Sound Foundation (2008.11.19)
Maxi-Singles
- Redrum (1999.05.26)
- Answer Songs (2004.09.08 IFRDU-0031)
Singles
- Touen no chikai | 2004.12.16
- Cherry Pie 2005ver. | 2005.09.03
- Utskushii kaze | 2005.10.23
- Jellico | 2005.12.03
- Bessekai | 2006.01.29
- Himitsu | 2006.02.25
- Tokyo | 2007.10.31
- Order from 1996 | 2009.04.15
Compilations
- Grand Cross 1999 | 1999.08.11 (POCH-1818)
- Contributed the song 'Namida'
- Parallel Side of Soundtract (2001.11.14 HDCA-10075)
- Contributed the song 'Q'
- Mad for Sadness (2006.05.06)
- Search out the Jams: The Pogo Tribute Album (2008.10.08 THCA-064 )
- Contributed a cover of the song 'Fallen Angel'
Live Albums
- Good Evening Wonderful Friends (2005.02.10)
- 070422 (2007.07.22)
- Sad Song Classics (2008.02.01)
Live-only or Mail-Order distributed CDs
- New Album (4) Release Party! (2002.12.14)
- Durga + Redrum remix CD (2006.02.25)
- Snow Bird (2009.05.28) released with first-press [Party Is Over] DVD
Video & DVD
- Broken Jr. (2002.07.26)
- Car's Crash (2002.08.15)
- Sentimental Journey (2002.08.23)
- Altered Stasis (2003.12.26)
- Live in Hong Kong: 2001.09.20 @ Queen Elizabeth StadiumQueen Elizabeth StadiumThe Queen Elizabeth Stadium is an indoor sport facility on the Morrison Hill in Wan Chai, on the Hong Kong Island of Hong Kong. First opened in 1980, it has a 3,500-seat arena, gymnasia, squash and badminton courts, and a multi-purpose hall...
(2004.08.29) - End of Dogma (2006.06.11)
- Sad Song Classics (2008.02.01)
- Party is Over (2009.05.28)
- Last Utopia Under the Rain (2009.07.20)
Yumi
- Honeydip - Another Sunny Day - Summer's Gone: Second Season ver. | Backing vocals
- Nil - Excalibur - Neon | Backing vocals
- Nil - Excalibur - Nightpeople | Backing vocals
- Tron - Tronique - Depeche | Backing vocals
- Tron - Tronique - Z Sputnik | Backing vocals
- Tron - Tronique - ZZ Sputnik | Backing vocals
Kazi
- Sugizo - v.a. Grand Cross 1999 - Aquarius after le Fou | Drums
- Nil - Excalibur - Nightpeople | Backing vocals
- About Tess - Swan Song - Studio tracks | Drums
- Soft BalletSoft BalletSoft Ballet is a Japanese Pop and EBM band. The group had three members: Maki Fujii, Ken Morioka, and Ryoichi Endo. They have been recording since 1989, though they had a long span of inactivity from 1995 to 2002 while the members pursued solo projects....
- Menopause - tsuchi sagari | Drums
Tsuoyshi
- Nil - Excalibur - Nightpeople | Backing vocals
- Soft Ballet - Menopause - tsuchi sagari | Guitar
- Suilen - Neoharamu - hiruma | Guitar
- Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Voice Actor Single 2 - Answer | Song Composition
Soto
- About Tess - Swan Song - All tracks | Bass
- Soft Ballet - Menopause - tsuchi sagari | Bass