Just a couple of weeks ago, I was teaching a class on how to minister to agnostic/atheistic patients in the hospital where I invited my students to share something specifically non-religious that brings them a sense of awe or wonder. For my own answer, I named the mosh pits at metal shows. Lucky for me, none of the middle-aged rabbis or ministers had much of a background in such a scene and so they were amazed to hear just how friendly and supportive they can be. If you get knocked down, someone’s there to pick you up – and if you need to let out a good scream, then this is a safe space. I preface this review this way because the two bands I witnessed at the Tokyo Calling showcase reminded me why I love metal music so much – but instead of the darker imagery more associated with the genre, these acts focus entirely on the benefits of metal. Exercise, community, and release.
The first band was Gokumon (known as Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai in Japan but, as they explained, Gokumon is much easier for American tongues). Armed with brightly colored instruments, even brighter lights, and a projector screen to display their lyrics in English, the band stepped out full swing blasting through a song to complete sound check. Sounding a bit like System of the Down via 80’s glam metal, the band put on a ripper of a show from start to finish. But what truly made it special were the lyrics. Accompanied by adorable graphics covering several different animation styles, each song was equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. On the more humorous side, the band sang about their love for professional wrestling moves or learning how to speak English to be able to enjoy touring America more. But on the heartfelt side, the songs were downright inspirational. One song encouraged the audience to honor their body, praising each muscle individually and encouraging the listener to exercise. Another praised their favorite foods and how they nourished their bodies. It was such a sonic and visual delight that I have to imagine I had the dumbest smile strewn across my face the entire time.
The second band I caught was entirely because of TikTok – and the band knew it. They’ve been a band for only a short time but, thanks to the kinetic energy of their live shows and videos, ISCREAM NEVER GROUND has garnered a lot of excitement in the west. I am happy to report, I was not disappointed in their performance. Similar to Gokumon, ISCREAM NEVER GROUND’s whole schtick revolves around exercise and movement. Complete with their own very distinct choregraphed two steps and circle pit orchestrations, the band were very clear that above all they just wanted us to MOVE. In an age when it feels like many people are too uncomfortable to even bob their heads at shows, it was nice to see a band refuse to be simply stared at. But more than that, it solidified what I loved about this scene, how it can contain multitudes from dark incantations of violent imagination to hyperkinetic rallying cries to be wildly present to present moment. I certainly hope these two bands get to tour the states more but grateful SXSW remains a strong draw to some of the best international acts around.