Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2009

Courtesy of Pokenicca/Lastrum

When Jiro Kurosawa was born in 1985, the Grateful Dead were already almost 20 years old. But Kurosawa and many others in the busy, if low-profile, Japanese jam band scene continue to explore the free-form psychedelic rock textures pioneered by Jerry Garcia and co. Making its exploratory bent known immediately in the form of the guitar flourishes of “Mizu,” Hidaripokenicca stretches from acid-fueled wah wah guitar solos to frenetic speed jams, interspersed with technically proficient prog-rock bridges. But it turns out that on top of Kurosawa’s guitar chops, he also has a fine, sweet voice, which he employs to chilled effect on the roots reggae flavors of “Bonyari Sora” (dreamy sky). Indus & Rocks next play Aoyama Moonromantic on December 6.

Indus & Rocks
Japanese live dub band with Nego, Phalanx and others. Dec 6, 6:30pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/¥3,000 (door). Aoyama Moonromantic. Tel: 03-5474-8116.