“Krautrock” is a, not so popular, musical genre that originated in Germany in the 1960s. The term “Kraut” is an ethnic slur used to describe a German person during World War II, and the “rock” is psychedelic, progressive music mixed with ideas from contemporary experimental classical music. If “Krautrock” were made today it would fall under a more familiar genre, ambience.
Combining this idea of “Krautrock” with some 90′s electronic music Fujiya & Miyagi have created a buzz-worthy sound. Contrary to what their name might imply(Asian?), this band was formed in Brighton, England. The ambience sound, combined with David Best’s whispering lyrics creates a very fetching consonance.
Fujiya & Miyagi released their 3rd album, Lightbulbs in September, 2008. The band-mates are currently touring Europe, so far no dates for visiting US, but no doubt you will hear their tunes at your local indie dance parties.
The experimental pop band Xiu Xiu, which is pronounced shoe-shoe, will be playing tonight, Wednesday the 19th, at Le Poisson Rouge in New York City. They released their sixth album this year titled, Women As Lovers. Singer songwriter Jamie Stewart formed the band in 2000 and took the name from the Chinese film Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl, which translates into “heaven bath”. This 1998 film, about a 15 year old girl who learns about life and love through a corrupted government where she is forced to submit her body for the sexual pleasure of officials, is not far swaying from the issues Stewart sings through his lyrics. Poetry of suicide, war, love, lovelessness, and aids are woven into sounds of ambient noise and modern classical instrumentation. In regards to their pop influence Jamie Stewart says, “all the songs are about sadness and trying to dance it away.”
Fujiya & Miyagi released their 3rd album, Lightbulbs in September, 2008. The band-mates are currently touring Europe, so far no dates for visiting US, but no doubt you will hear their tunes at your local indie dance parties.
