Modern music is often defined by the viewer's reaction. Positive or negative, the stronger the response the more validated the work becomes. This sort of artistic call and response has inevitably mirrored social change, creating a fairly portentous medium that can be relied on to reflect cultural taboos and to generally break down mainstream expectations. Going by the same logic, whoever it was that first stomped on a distortion pedal, unleashing a wall of gnarled feedback should be hailed as a prophet. Ever since those early days of rock, a 'fuck you' approach to music has been fairly prevalent, yet only recently have bands streamlined the style to the point of radio airplay, cleverly stuffing the clenched fist aesthetic down our societies collective throats one bite at a time. Having said that, I never really expected the true, unadulterated punk rock freakouts to become widely accepted. Well, we're getting there.
With their potential to bring distorted noise to the masses, Afrirampo may end up with an interesting footnote in the history of fucked up rock music. They employ and further a minimalistic tradition, dealing out their fair share of the aforementioned punk rock freakouts. But there is something special about this eccentric, all girl guitar and drum duo. Hailing from Osaka Japan, Afrirampo inject a frantic pop sensibility into their songs, channeling it through some of the most energized performances I've heard in, well, a long time. There is a certain abandon to their approach that is undeniable and immediate; the ironic mark of longevity. And how!
After listening to Afrirampo's self-titled EP over and over again, I'm still surprised by their control of chaos, by their grab bag of group dynamics, by all that damn spunk. But mostly, I am allured by their voices. Those sweet, Japanese voices! In earnest, the girls dual delivery acts as a third instrument. They squeal, grunt, and generally molest their way through 20 minutes of blissful, progressive J-punk. Such energetic vocal performances also push Afrirampo's character over the top, serving as their greatest and most polarizing element. And they're only 20 years old! Perhaps the duo's vigor is a byproduct of youth, but I have a feeling there's something more to it than just that. The songs arrangements are both naïve and frantic, but a carefully placed sense of restraint makes this EP excitingly excessive, as apposed to merely excessive. Love them or hate them, Afrirampo have crafted somewhat of a mini-masterpiece here. With an upcoming full length on John Zorn's Tzadik label and several collaborations with the Acid Mothers Temple collective, I have a feeling we'll be hearing much, much more from these girls in the years to come. And who knows, maybe the masses are ready for them.
1. Do Do Do Do
2. Oni Pika Maru Heart
3. Kekko
4. Afrirampo
5. Yukigeshiki