Hikashu

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

HIKASHU NZ TOUR 2017

Meow (Wellington), Wednesday 22 February
w. Orchestra of Spheres
&
Whammy Bar (Auckland), Friday 24 February
w. Carnivorous Plant Society

$20 on the door // $12.50 presales from UTR