Since the mid-ย90s, indie rockers have been fascinated with what is christened J-pop (Japanese rock and pop) because of the genreยs readiness to dive into sci-fi weirdness and the gawk-worthy sight of kids from places like Kyoto and Tokyo wearing the clothes, playing the chords and channeling the attitude of Western punk and indie. Fantasy Core fits the mold with the light saber-like toys they bring onstage, not to mention their obvious familiarity with the Killersย songbook and style of dress. The Nagasaki-based bandยs new album Nagasaki Atom features an anime hero grabbing a falling missile on its cover.
You could write Fantasy Core off as a novelty if they werenยt so damned good, with serious Sex Pistols chops and Clash-like intensity (in their delivery, at least; weยll admit we have no idea what theyยre saying). Theyยve worked hard to become stalwarts on the Nagasaki scene and are working harder to build a following in the U.S., playing five South by Southwest festivals in as many years. In the clash of cultures that comes with J-popยs influx into North America, you can be sure Fantasy Core is a band to be appreciated for sheer talent. 8 p.m. Walterยs, 4215 Washington. For tickets and information, call 713-862-2513 or visit www.4215washington.com.
Wed., Jan. 9, 8 p.m., 2008
This article appears in Jan 3-9, 2008.