Hailing from the Czech Republic, Nantokanaru is a rock outfit formed in 2007 by Japanologist Igor Prusa. With a unique blend of business attire, Japanese children’s songs and Gogo dancers, Nantokanaru’s live show spectacles lifted them from obscurity and put them right at the forefront of the Czech alternative rock scene as a must-see band.
Dropping their debut album in 2008, their first full-length release, titled He Who Dances With Swans was released to critical acclaim and backed up their extraordinary reputation for thrilling live performances with a worthy studio release. After winning the national Jack Daniels Music contest, the act flew out to Nashville, Tennessee to work on new music with producer David Barbe, who’s previous credits include Deerhunter and R.E.M. resulting in Nantokanaru releasing their second album She Who Plays With Shadows in 2012.
Following their sophomore record, the band went on hiatus when guitarist and band-founder Igor relocated to Tokyo to study for his doctorate degree. Now, after a decade away, the group has reformed to make a highly anticipated comeback.
With Igor Prusa and Derek Saxenmeyer co-writing the music and lyrics of the new material, the Nantokanaru project seemingly picks up where it left off, with a new line up including bass player Vit Kravacek, Michal Grepl on drums and Filip Vlcek laying down lead vocals.
Bringing us their latest work, they share their new EP, titled Emotional Damage Wreckage, building on the Nantokanaru trademarks of raw emotive lyricism, grooving rhythms and Japanese symbolism. Following Igor’s stint in the Japanese capital, much of the new music draws inspiration from his time in the far eastern metropolis.
Featuring three brand new tracks, the Emotional Damage Wreckage EP is the first in a series of new releases that aim to explore different perspectives on society, culture and interpersonal relationships framed by the experience of living outside of your home country. Across the new EP, Nantokanaru blast through their hard rock sound, offering crunching guitar work, driving percussion and memorable, melancholic vocal leads on their exciting return as a band.
Listen to Emotional Damage Wreckage below
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