Today, we’re introducing you to the unmissable Tokyo outfit RAINBOW BELTZ, who are four musicians who re-built this project from the ashes of previous attempts. This band is now onto their third single, titled ‘246’, which follows up on the grunge heavy sophomore release ‘Lights, lights’. However, this time they swap out the angular feistiness for hazy dream-pop melodies, showing just how willing this quartet is to expand their sonic horizons.
‘246’ shares its name with one of Tokyo’s main thoroughfares and that sense of movement, restlessness and liminality comes through in the track’s constant motion. Over three-and-a-half minutes, RAINBOW BELTZ unspools tightly packed layers of noise-pop, alt-rock and shoegaze as it heads towards some unknown destination.
This late-night cinematic atmosphere is testament to these musicians’ intuitive chemistry. Guitarist Kazao shifts between a washed-out trance and sharp rhythmic stabs to replicate the push-and-pull of city life. Percussionist Nikita keeps the whole track moving forwards with urgent, unrelenting drums. Bassist Asuka grounds these other elements with a nonchalant cool, like a steady heartbeat that underpins every living thing. Leading the way is singer Miyu whose vocals are soft yet self-assured, providing a delicate point of contrast to the fuzzed-out soundtrack.
‘246’ captures the buzz and vitality of the Japanese metropolis in a way that only local musicians can. This release has landed RAINBOW BELTZ squarely in the centre of our radar and we can’t wait to hear what’s next.
You can also listen to ‘246’ in our Indie Rockers playlist.
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