Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on July 2010

Canadian psychedelic electro-rock unit Caribou made a triumphant return to Tokyo this week. The energetic crowd at Daikanyama’s Unit was treated to a lively set comprised mostly of tunes from the group’s new album, Swim, with a few older gems thrown in for kicks. Talented frontman Dan Snaith led the proceedings on vocals, drums, keyboards, sampler and even a recorder. With complex video projections providing a stunning backdrop, the band served up a diverse selection, ranging from organic-sounding songs like “Leave House” to multi-layered, house-influenced tracks like “Hannibal.” Metropolis found time for a brief chat with Snaith…

How many times have you performed in Tokyo?
It’s my fifth time, four times with the band and once as a DJ.

As a DJ? Where did you play?
At the old Liquidroom in Shinjuku… about ten years ago.

Compared to your previous album, this one seems more like electronica and less acoustic…
Yeah, I’ve been listening to lots of dance music and club music in the last couple of years. I’m living in London and there’s really exciting things happening there, lots of spin-off music, and I’ve just been DJing a lot more.

Is this more electronic sound kind of going back to your Manitoba stuff?
Yeah, it definitely has that sense, but there’s a new excitement in dance music for me. I’ve been listening to new club music, and it’s funny: it feels like it’s coming back to that first album, but it also feels like there’s something new and exciting, as the dance music scene seems reinvigorated.

Caribou has one more date in Seoul before returning to home soil for gigs in Quebec City and Toronto.

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