Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on June 2010
Photos Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment
“We felt that the electro scene was losing steam, and that we were better off relying on our own creativity than sticking to that genre,” says Masayuki Nakano, bassist and programmer with electronic-rock duo Boom Boom Satellites.
And indeed, the Boom Booms’ new album To The Loveless—their first since 2007—carries a very different vibe from the six that preceded it. In place of dancefloor anthems are darker, more brooding songs that carry a piecemeal industrial approach reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails, bolstered by washes of layered shoegaze guitar.
“Rather than the current ‘newgaze’ scene [see bands like The Big Pink and Oceansize], we’re more influenced by the original shoegaze bands from the first time around,” says Nakano (above right), citing Swervedriver and My Bloody Valentine. However, he insists that the album title isn’t a direct reference to the latter’s landmark 1991 album Loveless: “For us, the word ‘Loveless’ has a more savage meaning.”
Nakano, 38, formed Boom Boom Satellites in the early ’90s with university friend Michiyuki Kawashima on guitar and vocals. It was a time when artists such as The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers were beginning to make waves with edgy but thoughtful techno that borrowed elements of punk attitude—which is exactly what Nakano and Kawashima were creating. The duo debuted in Europe, with releases on key Belgian techno label R&S Records in ’97 and ’98, before they were signed to Sony in Japan.
They’ve since built a reputation as a thrilling live act, playing foreign festivals like Glastonbury in the UK and Roskilde in Denmark, while becoming fixtures on the home festival circuit. On stage, they are joined by a drummer—currently Yoko Fukuda, who Nakano says gave the band a new burst of vitality when she joined a year ago—and combine guitar riffs with computer tracks and elaborate lighting for a hard-hitting performance.
Their new songs, however, are less immediate than earlier hits like “Dive for You” and “Easy Action,” and need repeated plays to take hold.
“To The Loveless took a long time to make,” admits Nakano with a sigh. “There are a lot of very detailed parts, and we spent many long days in front of the computer, for about two years. There was no way we could have made this album in a year or a year and a half. We had to take our time.”
Yet the record has been Boom Boom Satellites’ highest-charting album to date, hitting No. 5 on its week of release. This must have come as a relief to the duo’s handlers at Sony, who Nakano says were worried about the darker edge. “There’s definitely a theme of desperation running through the album,” he concedes.
To The Loveless comes just months after the January release of best-of compilation 19972007, a precis of the band’s first ten years that seems to draw a line between the old and new BBS. This CD will also be released in the United States during the summer, with a US tour to follow.
“It seemed like good timing to put out a collection of how we’ve sounded up till now, just before we changed our sound,” says Nakano. “It felt good to hear those songs again when we were putting the compilation together. I think we probably played those songs better then than we do now!”
Although Nakano does most of the talking, Kawashima’s presence is striking. Around a foot taller and heavier-set than his spindly bandmate, he has a purposeful stare that tells you he’s taking in every word.
“I’m quite shy,” he acknowledges, fumbling for words. “I’m not comfortable onstage. I get nervous before every show, even now; I feel like puking. And I fell over on stage once and broke my guitar, which was mortifying.”
“When it’s just the two of us, he talks a lot,” adds Nakano supportively. “But when there are people about he goes quiet.”
Kawashima was born in Iwate Prefecture, and turned 40 last year. “I definitely feel it physically,” he says. “But my feelings have only gotten stronger. So it’s not all bad.”
“We had no idea when we met at university that we’d still be making music at this age,” says Nakano with a laugh. “I’m looking forward to turning 40! I hope Martin Scorsese [who recently directed a film about aging rockers The Rolling Stones] makes a documentary about us one day!”
To The Loveless is available on Sony. Boom Boom Satellites play Fuji Rock Festival on Aug 1 and Makuhari Messe on Oct 2. www.bbs-net.com
“Fuji Rock Festival ‘10”
Three-day fest with Muse, Roxy Music, Massive Attack, Vampire Weekend, Buffalo Daughter and others. July 30-Aug 1, 11am, ¥16,800 (one-day pass)/¥39,800 (three-day pass). Naeba Ski Resort. www.fujirockfestival.com
Boom Boom Satellites
Dance-rock duo bring their latest album tour to a triumphant close. Oct 2, 7pm, ¥4,500 (2F)/¥5,000 (1F). Makuhari Messe, Chiba. Tel: Smash 03-3444-6751.
