“Neiji/Tori” by Nisennenmondai (Smalltown Supersound) - Out now

The three piece girl band Nisennenmondai (English translation - “Computer Bug Problem”) have been around since 1999 and have slowly gained popularity. They hail from Tokyo, Japan, and their latest release, “Neiji/Tori,” is a combination of two of their previous extended releases.

“Neiji/Tori” has a lot of depth to it, but that doesn’t mean it’s soothing or straightforward or commonplace or pretty, but that’s ok by them. The first song, “Pop Group,” is reminiscent of a James Bond type of sound. It starts off sounding like an amplifier is getting together with a guitar that’s encased in metal. That layer of noise is followed by rapid percussion by drummer Sayaka Himeno. But the main sound is the guitar, driven by Masako Takada, sounding like all there is in the world are heavy metal strings that can only hit one note. Her guitar also serves the purpose of adding the fuzz element and keeps the song, and the cd, somewhat grounded. Bassist Yuri Zaikawa provides the necessary fuel to maintain a backbone.

The entire album is instrumental, which makes it a bit easier to understand lyrics would bring in too many elements. The guitar, bass and drums can stand on their own. Despite all the layering, the album holds together and is quite cohesive.

“Niji/Tori” is also like a blank canvas, with the different levels of sound create that canvas and lets you form your own imagination, your own opinions about the music, which seems to be a blend of metal, punk, garage, and clash. A lot of the sound is very 60’s retro, very Beach Boys, as in the beginning of “Iyashi”, but with a cool Japanese vibe to it. Nisennenmondai would make perfect sense in a Quentin Tarantino movie.

“This Heat” starts off very experimental as well. The whole cd is avant garde, unlike anything the stereotypical radio listener may have heard before. It lets you open your mind to how you perceive sound, what “sounds” good to the listener, or what songs are supposed to be like. They smash that concept. “This Heat” experiments with drums and cymbals going off at different beats, with the same note on the guitar constantly in the background. There’s an excitement in listening to the cd, waiting to see what sound combination they come out with next.

“2534” sounds like they are running their pick along the heavy thick steel strings, and their garage band-style is strong on “Kyuukohan.” They change chords in a deliberate way, but it’s very abstract, and it’s serious business for them. The song starts to get even more intense with hardcore drumming at the end. “Kyaaaaaaa” has a weird screeching sound thrown in at random times, almost sounding like a guitar pick rapidly moving it down the neck of the guitar. It faintly sounds like a scream, almost robotic, and very metal.

“Ikkkyokume” just has one guitar note strummed over and over again at the start, but then it ramps up, and the song really takes off. It’s a recognizable guitar beat, which then gets lost in the noise. The drum solos are manic, quick, then the bass comes in. The guitar is raw, and it sounds like the whole thing is playing out in a dark damp basement.

Listening to “Neiji/Tori” is a good idea if music to the far left of the dial seems too tame. The full effect can only be felt when you hit play.

Download this track now: “Pop Group”