The Molice sit down for a One On One Session at City Winery New York on April 30th, 2018. For more info visit: http://themolice.com Audio & Video by: Ehud Lazin Audio Mixing by: The Molice
Setlist:
Headphone
Active Imagination
Hello Hello
THE MOLICE 日本語は英語の下にあります
THE MOLICE is a very active Rock’n Roll band from Tokyo to the world.
While many Japanese bands are the product of management hired producers and stylists, Molice are the band’s own unique brew of rock. Drawing inspiration from 70’s punk’s DIY spirit, 80’s new wave stylish power pop and 90’s unchained indies guitar rock, the band has hammered out their own sound. Their name draws on a number of musical inspirations as well- the Police, and the “mo” of Jim Morrison, Mo Tucker, and Morissey.
The band cites the Pixies, Police, and Doors as their main inspirations, but incorporate elements of goth, classical, dance, shoegaze,and post-hardcore as well. Listening to the range of music on albums challenges fans to completely define their style.
The band was formed in 2007 by the charismatic female singer/rhythm guitarist Rinko, high tension guitarist Yuzuru. Just 6 months after coming they were invited to play Summer Sonic, one of Japan’s biggest festivals.After a year of polishing their material playing Tokyo’s numerous rock venues, the band made their recorded debut in November 2008 with their album ‘Doctor Ray’. The album quickly drew attention amongst Japanese rock fans, and surprisingly, substantial acclaim from abroad. The singles “White Vertigo”, “Ms. Panic” and “Headphone” found their way into rotation on numerous US college radio stations. Their CD sold briskly in the States via CD Baby and their music video “Headphone” received airplay on Japan’s Space Shower and France’s NOLIFE TV programs. In the wake of their debut album they also received their first offer to play abroad, and did a short UK tour in late 2009.
Their sophomore effort ‘Catalystrock’ was released in March 2010, with the lead track “Monster” and “Romancer”, which had a clever video shot in Shinjuku, drawing the most attention. Soon after its release, Molice made their TV debut, appearing on Fox Japan’s “Backstage Pass.” They were also again invited overseas, and played Vietnam’s C.A.M.A. festival and headlined Atlanta’s Anime Weekend. Their videos also helped draw attention to their music, and picked up play in Japan and in far away places like Malaysia and the States. Their album also caught the attention of Good Charamel Records (owned by Robby Takac ,Goo Goo Dolls), who released the album in North America.
Since their beginning, the band has had a high percentage of foreigners amongst their fans. Singer/ lyricist Rinko sings primarily in Japanese, in melodic rock style, not in the high and whiny voice that is typical of much Japanese pop. Her lyrics are often romantic, but sometimes also venture into sci-fi. While she is a classically trained pianist, on stage she supplies big chunky rhythm guitar.
