With a layered sound that blends postrock dynamics and sprawling song structures with pure J-pop sensibility, akai ko-en is quickly becoming one of Tokyo's most talked-about new bands. But just try searching for the group on YouTube and see how far you get.
Despite releasing its second mini-album last week through EMI, and though it toured in Canada last fall, akai ko-en has managed to maintain a near-zero-tolerance policy toward the Internet. And in an age where every band in the world wants you to check out its SoundCloud or Facebook page, the four-piece's bid to build an air of mystery seems to be working.
"Once you open a door, people can see that the room isn't very big — so you have to think carefully about when to open it," explains guitarist Maisa Tsuno, who writes most of the songs and does most of the talking. "Once there's some anticipation around us making an appearance online, that's the time to do it."
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