Tokyo-based shoegaze outfit concrete twin is back with its first release in two years, a two-track EP titled “Re:boots”. Originally the solo project of Kazuya Okada, concrete twin has remained a consistent but underrated member of the current Tokyo shoegaze scene over the last year or so. Okada, who also currently performs with better-known Chiba shoegaze band plant cell, has been making music for concrete twin – originally known as Guruwa Vail – since 2008. In 2017, he recruited members and the band started gigging in the Tokyo area, appearing multiple times at monthly Koenji HIGH shoegaze showcase Total Feedback. After losing a few members recently, Okada rebooted the lineup with bassist/keyboardist Fumio and drummer Zenn.
“Re:boots” is a bit more subdued in terms of pace than concrete twin’s previous EP release. “Accelerator” is a swirly, dreamy mess of guitars and sunken, blippy synths. “Door” is much larger and more chaotic, and I can’t help but think about how much bigger it would sound with real drums. The vocals on both tracks sit right at that perfect point of being unintelligible but present enough. While the latter track is a really solid concept, “Accelerator” is a legit gazey dreamscape that is also executed well on the recording. It’s hard to imagine concrete twin’s sound not being incredible in a live setting.
You can pick up concrete twin’s latest release at the band’s newly created Bandcamp page. Physical copies of their material are also available at their shows.