“Creative exploration of the finest degree, uniquely composed tracks blending delicacy and grit...in a consistently refreshing and musically satisfying manner.”
“...the final minute of the track was glorious. A chanting chorus of singing rings out above powerful guitars in a gargantuan crescendo. Every now and then, a new band enters your life that completely blows you away. I promise that this is one of those bands.”
Nantokanaru's 2022 EP Emotional Damage Wreckage has garnered attention of the fans and critics alike, with it's “unique melodies and cleverly constructed mishmash of influences” (MusicServer.cz) being described as “glorious” and “a masterclass on emotive rock”. Likened to Incubus, Faith No More, or even Periphery, the Prague-based quintet returns with a new installment of quirky, Japanese-themed alternative rock.
A NEW SINGLE...
Entitled Awakening, it addresses the difficulty staying connected to our most primal needs and desires while living within the rigid social hierarchy of urban Tokyo. Inspired by the intercultural struggles of guitarist Igor Prusa during his 10 years spent in Japan, the story is conveyed through both soft, introspective vocals and primal outbursts, laid over a backdrop of heavy, off-kilter grooves, woven guitar lines, and the chanting of Buddhist monks.
With the title track Awakening opening Nantokanaru's new EP, the listener is led onward through the brash, yet poetic Japanese-lyriced Detarame before arriving at Overcome/Undone, a melancholic exploration of our darkest personal moments, laden with analogue vocoding and syncopated delay. The Awakening EP is the second in a series of new material exploring the unique perspective on society, culture, and interpersonal relationships gained after principle songwriters Igor Prusa and Derek Saxenmeyer lived for more than a decade outside of their home countries.
NANTOKANARU
Is a Czech alternative rock band formed in 2007 by Japanologist Igor Prusa. Mixing business attire, Japanese children's songs, and Gogo dancers, the band's spectacular stage shows quickly catapulted them from obscurity to the forefront of the Czech alternative rock scene. Their first album, He Who Dances with Swans was selected by the prominent MusicServer.cz as the best debut album of 2008, and that same year they went on to win the national Jack Daniels Music contest. Subsequently, the band flew to Nashville, Tennessee to record new material with producer David Barbe (Deerhunter, R.E.M.). In 2012, the band released their sophomore effort, She Who Plays With Shadows before going on hiatus as Igor relocated to Tokyo, Japan to pursue his doctorate degree.
A decade later, Nantokanaru has reformed, with guitarists Igor Prusa and Derek Saxenmeyer co-writing music and lyrics. Bassist Vit Kravacek and drummer Michal Grepl drive the rhythm section, while Diego Zeta channels the story through his multifaceted vocals. The new lineup continues to develop the band's unorthodox style, which blends raw emotion, musical experimentation, and Japanese symbolism.
Genre:
Alternative Rock, Progressive Rock, Post-Metal
For Fans Of:
Korn, A Perfect Circle, Faith No More, Dir En Grey