A different take on modern Japanese music with "A Shamisen Orchestra"

A Shamisen Orchestra is the moniker behind Italian composer Paolo Cotrone. Although he is from Naples and grew up playing progressive music, he developed a strong interest in Japan's music and culture.

He went on to study with some of the country's most respected shamisen masters, eventually becoming the first European player to hold the sought-after "Natori" title. The budding musician deeply respects the roots of the shamisen and its ancient lore. Still, he is eager to bring some innovation to the table. The hypnotic acoustic piece "Higure." This is a perfect example. The song swiftly combines western acoustic guitars with the assertive lead sound of the shamisen. The song's gentle flow represents only one of the many facets of Paolo's compositional breadth. The song "Aaser" is a true behemoth, with the shamisen cutting through walls of heavy guitars and synthesizers.

The artist is set to head back to Japan later this year to finalize his studies. In addition, he is also going to make his full-band live debut in March 2023! You can support A Shamisen Orchestra on Spotify or Bandcamp.

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Dead Rituals released a stripped-down acoustic take on "How Easily"

Dead Rituals (artist-producer Andrea Caccese) released a single titled “ How Easily ” back in June. The song delves into the passage of time and the uncertainty of the future as we move on. "How easily we forget our hopes and dreams," Caccese sings with resignation - An attempt to reignite that spark that's slowly fading away as our days go by. While the lyrics might appear like a gesture of surrender, the instrumental has plenty of fight left in it. " How Easily " combines the mist of shoegaze with the roaring angst of post-punk, tipping the hat off to artists such as Slow Crush , Narrowhead , or even Nirvana . The newly released acoustic version of the song brings a contrasting view, stripping it all down to its bare essentials. With nothing but vocals and guitar, the urgency of the original remains, but a newfound level of intimacy takes center stage. Spotify / Bandcamp / Youtube

Dead Rituals explores the link between shoegaze and post-punk on "How Easily"

"How Easily" is a new single by Dead Rituals , the post-punk outfit led by singer-songwriter Andrea Caccese. With its unapologetic rawness, this song encapsulates the essence of punk while infusing it with the nuanced ambiance of shoegaze. From the opening notes, " How Easily " is relentless and energetic. The driving rhythm section provides urgency and momentum, with a throbbing bass line that drives the song. The wall of guitars takes center stage in "How Easily," weaving a hazy tapestry of distortion and melody. The sharp, biting guitar riffs surge through, contrasting with the ambient textures serving as a backdrop. Amidst the chaos, Caccese's guitar work occasionally dips into atmospheric textures, introducing elements of shoegaze into the mix. These ethereal moments contrast the track's abrasive nature, adding a touch of introspection and depth. Listen via Spotify or Bandcamp .

Dead Rituals deals with the pain of feeling trapped, with their shoegaze-inspired single “Prisoners.”

"Prisoners" is a hauntingly beautiful song by Dead Rituals . The track highlights the band’s post-punk edge while still bringing its shoegaze roots to the forefront. The throbbing bass line locks in with the drums, as the soaring guitar and vocals fill the room with so much ambiance and depth. The song speaks to the experience of feeling trapped in circumstances that seem impossible to escape. Despite its melancholy tone, "Prisoners" is ultimately a hopeful song. It acknowledges the pain of feeling trapped but also encourages listeners to break free from their self-imposed limitations. Overall, "Prisoners" is a moving and thought-provoking song that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics make it a standout track in Dead Rituals' discography and a must-listen for fans of introspective indie music. Check out "Prisoners" on Spotify.

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