Hikashu Announce Two New Zealand Shows
Sonic trailblazers Hikashu are trekking through the North Island later this month from their native Nihongo, Japan. The experimental pop-rock group have been consistently exploring new aural territories for more than 30 years, having released 28 studio albums since their debut in 1978. Their dedication to finding new sound sets and combinations has been likened to the likes of mind-bending musicians such as Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart. Fittingly, Hikashu will be joined by some of New Zealand’s own boundary pushing bands; the likes of Orchestra of Spheres in Wellington and Carnivorous Plant Society in Auckland. Here are the details...
Hikashu
Wednesday 22nd February, Meow, Wellington w/ Orchestra of Spheres
Friday 24 February, Whammy Bar, Auckland w/ Carnivorous Plant Society
Tickets available HERE at UTR and in-store at Flying Out (Auckland) and Slow Boat/RPM (Wellington).
Check out a bit of Hikashu live buzzyness here…
And get familiar with this classic tune 'Pike'…
PRESS RELEASE:
The Audio Foundation announces two New Zealand shows by legendary Japanese 5 piece HIKASHU!
Led by renowned extrovert/extreme vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Makigami Koichi, Hikashu are known for their highly experimental approach to songwriting and performance which places spontaneity and improvisation at the centre of a kaleidoscopic whirlwind of timbral and stylistic blending.
Hikashu, along with the Yellow Magic Orchestra, was one of a number of Japanese bands creating a futuristic new sound in the ’70s. But where YMO looked for inspiration in the sweeping melodies of Kraftwerk, Hikashu was more partial to the zany escapades of psychedelic warriors like Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart.
After enjoying an unexpected popularity following the 1979 release of “At the End of the 20th Century”, Hikashu found themselves ill at ease with the restrictions imposed by popular music. Their desire for freedom and independence prompted the adoption of what they term a ‘self-sufficiency’ approach, which they have been delighting audiences the world over with ever since.
The name Hikashu, which holds no conventional meaning in Japanese, befits this avant-pop ensemble, whose music blurs the lines between rock, jazz, pop, funk, and chamber music.
Hikashu play at Meow in Wellington with futurefunk/psych heroes Orchestra of Spheres and in Auckland with the cinematic/charismatic Carnivorous Plant Society
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