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Aooo:
Aooo blasted into 2024 with their debut album of the same name. However, they didn’t exactly come out of nowhere—each member had already found some success in the Japanese music industry. The band consists of: the vocalist Ishino Riko, the guitarist “Three”, the bassist Yamamoto Hikaru, and the drummer Tsumiki. You may think the band's name comes from the sound that naturally comes with pronouncing it, but it actually derives from blood types of each member. Their first and only current album so far, Aooo, is a riveting showcase of how exciting the current punk rock scene is in Japan. With a diverse set of influences ranging from Jpop to Midwest emo, this album delivers intricate guitar riffs, catchy vocal hooks, and gritty drums. Not one member is left behind for the album's 39 minute runtime, with each having distinct moments to show off their skills. Take the second track サラダボウル (SALAD BOWL) for example—it bursts with short, fast-paced solos from each of the band’s instrumental members. Ishino, the vocalist, also injects even more energy into each chorus, amplifying lively instrumentals. If anything, this album is running a sprint—if you are not careful, it will easily run past you. There is almost no letup; the album's few calm moments are quickly met with even more vibrant, high-tempo sections. Don’t expect any emotional ballads or laid-back beats across these 12 tracks. What makes Aooo truly stand out is how over the top the band can be at times. ネオワビシイ (NEO WABISHII), for instance, opens with a simple whimsical synth lead that starkly contrasts the high-energy vocals and guitar that follows (though the synth also gets a little wild towards the end of the song). It may not be as intense as a song about existential dread, but it delivers an upbeat, catchy rock anthem that is the perfect backing track to a walk in the city. Japanese punk has taken a much different path than its Western counterpart, focusing on technical guitar playing, sophisticated chord patterns, and alternating vocal melodies. Neither version of the genre is inherently better, even if one leans more into complex instrumentation. Still, it is fascinating to see how musical influences and culture have shifted the meaning of punk in different parts of the world.
Middle Parts instead of Mohawks:
The aesthetics of this band closely resemble brightly colored media like the game Splatoon; more of a youthful cyber-Japan than piss stained sheets and rusty metal. It’s that explosive graphic design, bold yet clean, jamming itself into view, like graffiti that feels as if it was always meant to be there. Their music is meant for the city, and is evident in their debut self-titled album cover, which features a bright blue floor sign tagged with the band's name. This is urban punk—but instead of looking at a gutter or a dark alleyway, this album fits the setting of biking through the streets of Tokyo or painting a mural. Punk has always carried shock and destruction wherever it made sound, but its atmosphere has largely remained unchanged since its inception in the mid-’70s. Minimalist turns maximalist, skinny jeans become baggy again, and somehow, punk is becoming cleaner. That’s not to say Aooo lacks loud statements and punchy guitar riffs, but comparing their aesthetics to a classic Western punk band like the Misfits or Sex Pistols is night and day. Even the hairstyles are relatively tame—gone are the towering liberty spikes and mohawks, replaced instead by messy middle parts and soft pink hair. In a culture where punk aesthetics are becoming increasingly mainstream—with Green Day constantly headlining massive festivals, designers like Balenciaga releasing $800 band tees, and celebrities like Machine Gun Kelly diving into the already oversaturated pop-punk genre—a polished band like Aooo is a breath of fresh air. Rather than singing about obliterating capitalism or inciting anarchy, Aooo opts to sing about similarly important topics such as in their song イエロートイ (Yellow Toy) where they discuss the turmoil of waiting for the pizza delivery man to arrive. They aren’t afraid to embrace humor while still tackling serious topics and complex emotions. Traditional punk fans might scoff at these bright moments, but for those seeking something fresh and exciting, Aooo delivers. For the record, there’s nothing wrong with classic Western punk—just like there’s nothing wrong with wearing skinny jeans, even when baggy is in vogue. If anything, this new wave of Japanese punk owes as much to long-established bands like The Clash, Ramones, and Black Flag as it does to flamboyant Harajuku fashion culture such as FRUiTs Magazine.
Spiked leather jackets and crowd surfing will never disappear; punk will always be the voice of the youth. Whether those messages are edgy or humorous, music will continue to evolve with the ever changing culture. Aooo plans on releasing more music in the future and the world should be excited for what they, and bands that come after, will bring to the global punk scene.
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