The RockNRoll Hi-Fives Japan Tour, Night 2: NOON+CAFE with Piggies, Foodie, and The exkilll, 4/9/18

Osaka

On Sunday 4/9, The RockNRoll Hi-Fives played their second show in Japan, this time at Osaka's NOON+CAFE. Joining them for this show were The exkilll, Foodie, and Piggies. NOON is a restaurant / coffee shop with a large music venue and a large disco ball in the back. It's near a busy shopping district in Osaka, and we did some exploring after soundcheck.

The exkilll were playing their second show ever. The entire band wore matching prints and played with an infectious energy. A Walter White action figure stood sentry at the end of the keyboardist's microphone. Covers of Bikini Kill ("Rebel Girl") and The Ramones ("Sheena Is a Punk Rocker") got the crowd singing and bouncing along.

The exkilll

Foodie are one of the bands that feature our host, Maki (bass, vocals, guitar) of Custard Core. She's joined by her husband, Harurou (guitar, vocals, beats), and drummer / bass player, Happy. Foodie play a unique brand of pop full of interesting loops and beats. They really brought home to me one of the things that's been great about the trip so far: seeing brand new (to me) bands every show who are doing interesting things.

Foodie

Piggies are a trio from Kōbe who had a solid and enthusiastic base of fans at the show. I could see why. They played super-catchy garage / punk highlighted by some stage heroics by guitarist, Tetsu. I loved this set.

Piggies

The reception for The RockNRoll Hi-Fives has been amazing so far. Once again, the crowd already knew several songs and sang along. Covers of "We Got the Beat," "Do You Wanna Dance?" and "Surrender" went over big as well. Tetsu was right up front toasting Joe. Maki led the charge for "Livin' the Lost Boy Life," while Eilee bashed a tambourine gifted by The exkilll.

The RockNRoll Hi-Fives

About halfway through the set, I ran across the stage and up the stairs behind the band to get some shots from the green room overhead. Joe told the crowd to "Welcome Papa to the stage!" which is a story for later. Check one of the band's recently archived Facebook livestreams if you want the background on that.

Following the set, The RockNRoll Hi-Fives signed tons of CDs and took pictures with fans and all of the other bands. Everyone here has been incredibly welcoming, and we've all been having a blast at the shows together.

The RockNRoll Hi-Fives, Maki, The exkilll

After two off-days of exploring and logging — literally — about 20 miles on foot all around Ōsaka, we've pulled up stakes and are driving to Tokyo for a pair of shows. We're all pretty excited to see the city and all the bands. It's been the experience of a lifetime so far, and it's only getting better.

New Brunswick's Osaka Aren't Going to Be Called Osaka Anymore

Not Osaka (Photo: Kat Schneider)

New Name Pending

First off, back when I went to see California X, ROMP, Casual, and American Lions at Paradise Lost in New Brunswick, I met Osaka's David Pressler. Even though we only spoke briefly at the beginning and the end of the night, David came off as a nice, genuine, caring guy who would never intentionally belittle or demean another individual or group. I, honestly, got all of that from our short meeting and subsequent electronic interactions.

So this was a bit of a head scratcher for me. Here's a statement released via Osaka's Facebook page:

It's come to our attention that some people are uncomfortable with our use of the name "Osaka" for our band. It has never been our intention to offend, insult, or degrade any people or their culture. That is why we have decided to change our name. We offer an apology to anyone who we may have harmed and invite them to share their feelings with us if they choose to do so. More news to follow.

There's been a lot of band name controversy going around lately, and some of those other names kind of make you tilt your head and go, "Really? Someone named their band that? Wow." But I'm just gonna admit that "Osaka" didn't really do that for me. That's me, though.

Anyway, the band have heard the concerns from some people and decided to go in another direction in the interest of keeping things friendly and positive. They haven't decided on a new name yet, and they've also canceled the release show for their upcoming Tamal.

I really enjoyed single "Always August" from the new record; and, just last month, Osaka released the post-punky "Transit" from that same album. It's another good one, and you can check that out while you wait for news on what's happening with the band.

New Single from New Brunswick's Osaka. Playing Wonder Bar Next Week.

"Always August"

I've had a running debate with various friends as to which month is best here on the Jersey Shore. Often, I come down on the side of September. The weather's still warm. The crowds are gone. The beach is free. But August certainly has its charm.

August is that month where it feels like there's nothing going on. It's vacation month. School hasn't started. Work hasn't ramped up from "summer hours" yet. It's usually super hot.

Looking back, I wouldn't be surprised if many of my most wonderful summer memories happened in August. Days at the beach. Warm nights spent with friends, sitting on the sand, talking about life's great mysteries.

I hereby concede, therefore, to all of those whom I've debated before that, yes, August wins.

Osaka pine for that lazy month in the latest single from their forthcoming Tamal.

"I wish it was always August / And we could learn to float downstream," sings David Pressler over some progressively more frantic guitar and synth.

Pressler's low key delivery (I love the ooo-eee-ooos) coupled with the song's overall lo-fi feel takes me back to some of those warm Augusts of my teens, and when Pressler sings "I wish it was always August / And I could learn to just stay clean," it reminds us that the real world is always there just at the edge of some of our idealized memories.

Osaka come to Asbury Park next Friday, February 6th, when they play The Wonder Bar with Sink Tapes, Lake Effect, and The Gray Company.