mouse on the keys
Jazz/Funk/Post-Rock
RIYL: LITE & Giraffes? Giraffes!
There is something to be said about a band that can catch your ear in less than three minutes. Japan’s mouse on the keys is such a band. The group who makes music that is a blend of minimal phrased piano and frenetic drumming. It’s obvious that the pursuit of a live experience is paramount with them as well, as they work to create a show full of dynamic visual and audio expression.
The trio, formed in 2006, consists of two former members of the influential Japanese underground band Nine Days Wonder, Akira Kawasaki and Atsushi Kiyota. The two enlisted Daisuke Niitome on drums. Niitome has played drums as well as composed music for numerous jazz-funk outfits and hip hop ands. Together, the group synthesizes elements of jazz, funk, post-rock and electronic music to create a genre all their own.
This genre and unique sound includes two pianos, two keyboards and drums, and they continue to stand at the forefront of the Japanese music scene. Coming off the release of their record Out of Body via Topshelf Records, we’re met a new song and album (called Tres) which is due out on May 23rd.
The band has released their first song from the forthcoming record called “Time.” Sonically somewhat different than what we’ve heard in the past, the trio enlisted Mario Camarena from progressive rock group CHON to lay down some mind-bending guitar licks.
Ultimately, if you are into music groups who are willing to cultivate an entire genre unto themselves by blurring the lines amongst jazz, funk, post-rock, and electronic music, mouse on the keys just might be the group for you. Of course, for some, jazz is a big, bad, scary word, but don’t let it deter you. Listen to the track above. Even though Mario isn’t a permanent member of the group, “Time” is a great foray into what the band is capable of.
