As a rule, I have a strict policy of not allowing C.A.R. to be used for the recycling of event and CD release propaganda, regardless of who it is for (for the record, I rarely even write special posts here about my own events or releases). Nevertheless, this is a case where I'll make an exception because the person responsible, a Canadian chap (and possibly a certifiable lunatic) Steven Tanaka, is putting himself out in a quite extraordinary way to not only promote, but also bring across the Pacific, a quintet of almost completely unknown Japanese underground bands, all of whom offer something quite different from the norm, and all of whom I believe will spread sweetness and light into the hearts of all who perceive them.

Steven is interviewed on Anusaya here, and his tour's web site, Next Music from Tokyo, is here. I strongly recommend following the link to check out the bands and tour dates. They will be in Canada, starting in Vancouver, from the 22nd until the 29th, with four shows in total, finishing on two (with one an all-ages show) in Toronto.

As someone who has tried booking Japanese bands abroad (in much less ambitious circumstances) and who knows a lot of the problems that can come up, I demand that anyone in a relevant part of Canada, with any interest in hearing something different, check these shows out and support this worthy enterprise.