On their website, Bo Ningen describe themselves as “Enlightenment activists from far east psychedelic underground.” Later they say “Being ‘psychedelic’ means to us that stand quietly/loudly in the middle of interzone and stare at both sides at once.” Got it?
For a perhaps more pedestrian description, I would describe them as heavy, psychedelic, noise, Yoko, Pixies, Sabbath and Sonic Youth stirred together and heated in a wok. The four band members all hail from Japan but apparently met in and are based in London. Although it’s a few years old, their debut EP “Koroshitai Kimochi” would be a good place to start if you’re interested in a first taste of this band; it’s an intense trip.
The four tracks have lots of loud/quiet dynamics. Lyrics are (I think!) all in Japanese, but understanding them is not essential to enjoying the music. “Koroshitai Kimochi” comes on like Sabbath but quickly moves into more intense territory. “Psychedelic Misemono Goya” adds some spacy guitar. The third (and longest) track, “Atami,” is a ride. It starts more slowly and atmospheric with gentle echoing guitar. The sound builds slowly and kicks up about half way in to more of a guitar freak out, then for the last couple minutes things suddenly go quiet again. Finally, on “Maguro,” the feedback starts and we’re back to the heavy intense guitar. This one is almost punk at times. Overall, lots of great sounds and elements throughout.
Visually when they are performing they are also very captivating …check them out!