This November, experimental French group Alcest and the Japanese post rock masters perform together in Cardiff, almost guaranteeing a night of joy for fans of experimental international music. “We didn’t want to make something too obvious and cliché, because we are a French band not Japanese, so we didn’t want to play Japanese music,” explains Alcest’s Niege when talking about their latest album Kodama. “But, we did introduce some Japanese scales in the guitar melodies, it’s small things here and there, it’s not a traditional Japanese album, it’s a mix of different influences. It’s also very cinematic in the first progression. It’s got some shoegazing and black metal, with a Japanese influence.” The group caught the attention of many by making the bold change from black metal to ambient music. “I Shelter was very light and dreamy, it was pretty much about the ambience of the guitars, not very aggressive. But, with the new one it’s definitely coming back to something heavier.”
“For many years we wanted to tour with Alcest,” says Mono’s frontman Taka Goto. “This time, because of the timing of the releases of our new albums, we decided to tour together. I think it’ll be good because they’re a completely different type of band with a singer.” Their ninth studio album Requiem For Hell reintroduces the use of strings to their instrumental sound, and as ever, a live performance of the record is what the group look forward to. “Our favourites to perform for this record are Death In Rebirth and Requiem For Hell, after this tour, we’ll wait for another tour.” How do audiences compare in the UK to Japan, and what does he put their international success down to? “Japanese audiences are very quiet, there’s a very big reaction when we play overseas. I think the reason for our success is our DIY spirit. We are an indie band that doesn’t resort to excessive promotion. We release work constantly, and also spend a lot of time touring. It’s not very show business, but I’ve spent my entire life in pursuit of art. We turned 17 as a band this year, and think that sound should continue to evolve, if you don’t it follows the usual cycle of creation and destruction.”
Mono & Alcest, The Globe, Cardiff. Tues 15 Nov. Tickets: ÂŁ15. Info: 075 9047 1888 / www.globecardiffmusic.com
words LUKE OWAIN BOULT & MANON WILLIAMS