Otoboke Beaver, from Kyoto, Japan, titled their latest album Super Champon, after a Japanese dish that seems to involve throwing every single ingredient in the kitchen into a bowl with some noodles. It’s an appropriate metaphor for the band’s musical style, assuming the dish is served hot, confusing and ultimately satisfying. Given the frantic pace of the tuneage, it’s not too far of a leap to call them a punk band, though to follow their interviews, the members would tell you they feel that’s not quite complete.
One of the non-punk rock influences they like to cite is the Japanese comedy known as Manzai. The clip below is what came up when I checked YouTube for guitarist Yoyoyoshie’s recommendation – “a Manzaishi called Westland” – to a participant in their Reddit AMA who had asked the group to suggest a good funny show to watch. I can’t help but notice some aspects reflected in the song “Pardon” almost immediately.
One other ingredient that comes somewhat unexpected, the emergence of a real pop sensibility underneath a sonic attack that can resemble Napalm Death in its lacerating onslaught. While you may not be able to get all the lyrics of a number like “Dirty Old Fart Is Waiting For My Reaction” or “You’re No Hero Shut Up Fuck You Man Whore” without checking the internet for translations, the title gives you enough information to get the emotional thrust. Remember, you can’t really make out Napalm Death’s “English” lyrics either without looking them up, and that never stopped you. You just look them up.
They’re wacky enough that reaction videos to their “Don’t Light My Fire” video became omnipresent a few years ago. But there’s such substance under the hyperactive surface, and so few opportunities for a weird band to get in front of people, I’m actually grateful such a path exists for a band like this now. They’re opening for the Red Hot Chili Peppers in Indiana this summer, if you can believe that! And in the wake of their viral video success, touring is lucrative enough that we will have them in our vicinity for several days, an opportunity we recommend you take. They’re highly advanced musicians with a bonkers approach to rock and roll and a lust for life.
Check your cellphone – tickets may still be available for their shows at the Observatory in Santa Ana on February 27, and the Belasco in Los Angeles on March 2. Their Pappy And Harriet’s show is sold out already.
