Labels

Japandroids


Formed: 2006
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Genre: Punk, Indie Rock
Years Active: 2007 - 2024
Meaning of the Name:
Core Members: Brian King, David Prowse
Way of Working: Collaborative

Essential Releases

Japandroids - Post-Nothing

Post-Nothing (2009)

Debut that set the stage with bittersweet melodies and triumphant noise.

Japandroids - Celebration Rock

Celebration
Rock (2012)

Passionate second album that bristles with pure energy.


Japandroids are a furious orgy of kinetic energy, primal rock at its most basic, because it had to be. The band never even had a bassist. With only two members, a guitarist and a drummer, they played like they each had eight arms.

Through relentless touring of their native Canada in the late 2000s, they earned a reputation as a party band, delivering high-octane thrill rides masquerading as live shows. It was evident at a glance that they left everything on stage, forging a deep connection with their audience through all-out effort and force of will.

Most rock bands have at least four members, or three for a stripped-down sound with drums, bass, and guitar. Nearly all modern groups then use the recording studio as a de facto additional member, utilising techniques such as cut-ins, layering, and sequencing to find the perfect sound.

When The Beatles popularised these same techniques in the sixties, it challenged the very idea of what an "album" was. Before then, during rock & roll's formative years, the difference between a live set and an album was negligible. Certainly nothing compared to the plethora of options available to producers today. When drastic changes are made with the turning of a dial, does it pull the heart out of the music? When machines do the work, does the sound become less human?

Japandroids made their second album Celebration Rock (2012) as a joyous tribute to the foundations of the genre. They recorded themselves playing live in the studio, where they embraced their limitations to create an honest LP overflowing with integrity, attitude, and raw energy. This reversed decades of conventional wisdom in the space of one record, and was beloved by fans, who wanted to hear live music from a live band in the comfort of their own home.


Skills

*This is a work in progress. Values are subjective.

Emotional Impact

i Does it connect with the heart? What does it make you feel and how much of it?
90

Mental Impact

i Does it connect with the head? Social issues, interesting observations, clever lyrics, similies etc.
55

Originality

i Are they unique? Did they break new ground, use new techniques or create new genres.
70

Artistry

i Using creativity and imagination to present themselves in a unique way. Example, Wu-Tang Clan as Shaolin and Marvel characters etc.
60

Authenticity

i Do they really mean what they say? Is it autobiographical, personal?
65

Live

i Stage presence, working the crowd, performance. Miming, forgetting lyrics reduce this.
90

Production

i Studio techniques. More important for electronic music including hip hop.
70

Musicianship

i Their ability to play individually and as a group. Technical skills. DJing. Freestyling for hip hop.
80

Singing

i Technical attributes.
75

Songwriting

i Storytelling. Cohesive themes. Is the song about something? Stan by Eminem is an example of excellent songwriting.
85

Danceability

i Does it make you move? Do you tap your foot, nod your head or move your whole body?
75

Fun

i Is listening to it a good time? Are the lyrics funny? Depressing themes lowers value.
70

Consistency

i Have they put out good music across their careers. Two good albums and 5 band ones will reduce this value.
60

Range

i Fast, slow, ballads, party jams. Do they go beyond their own genre?
55

Cool

i Laid-back, icy detachment, unflustered.
40

Charisma

i Factors include appearance, force of personality. Elvis making people faint etc.
60


Commercial & Critical Success

Awards >>>

  • Polaris Music Prize Nominee 2009: Post-Nothing
  • Juno Award Nominee Nominee 2009: Post-Nothing - Best Alternative Album
  • Polaris Music Prize Nominee 2012: Celebration Rock
  • Juno Award Nominee Nominee 2012: Celebration Rock - Best Alternative Album

Certifications

Charts

Critics >>>

  • MTV: Celebration Rock - Best Albums of 2012: 1st
  • Pitchfork: Post-Nothing - Best Albums of 2009: 15th
  • Spin: Post-Nothing - Best Albums of 2009: 16th
  • The A.V. Club: Celebration Rock - Best Albums of 2012: 2nd


CRITICISM

  • Japandroids never again matched the critical acclaim of their second album Celebration Rock. The weight of expectation, the pressures of touring, and Brian King's struggle with alcohol contributed to the demise of the band after a lacklustre final effort in 2024.


Similar Acts



Labels:

Popular Posts