If someone told you that Tortoise, the influential American post-rock and instrumental band, and Boris, Japan’s experimental heavy music outfit, were playing in Malaysia in the same week, Soundscape Records would be the name to look for.
To mark its 25th anniversary, the independent label/organiser is bringing both acts to Petaling Jaya, Selangor adding an adventurous sonic edge to Malaysia Day month.
Tortoise will perform at PJPac on Sept 2, followed by Boris at Studio AB on Sept 4, where the Tokyo-based band will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its landmark album Pink.
It is an unusual pairing, but one that reflects Soundscape Records’ long-standing commitment to music beyond the mainstream, with a following that has often drawn from art school and creative communities.
For listeners, the two concerts offer distinct routes into experimental music – Tortoise through its post rock, jazz and electronic textures, and Boris, making its first visit to Malaysia, through the dense, heavy and ever-evolving sound that has earned the Japanese trio a cult following.
The Chicago-based Tortoise’s current tour set features favourites from its seven earlier albums alongside new material from Touch. Renowned for its exploratory live performances, Tortoise transforms layered compositions into dynamic, richly textured sets. PJPac provides an apt setting for this acclaimed band's interplay of rhythm, repetition and improvisation.
For this Asian tour, the band includes core members John Herndon, Douglas McCombs, Dan Bitney and John McEntire. The Chicago-based outfit last played in Malaysia in May 2014. Guitarist Jeff Parker is not part of the upcoming tour line-up and is replaced by Aaron M. Olson.
For a shift in volume, Boris’ Pink, the Japanese experimental rock trio’s breakthrough album, remains a landmark of its catalogue since its 2005 release. At Studio AB, the band is performing the album in full, bringing its volatile mix of heavy riffs, psychedelic passages, drone and noise into a visceral live setting.
Featuring drummer Atsuo, guitarist and bassist Takeshi, and guitarist and keyboardist Wata, the band is also embarking on its first South-East Asian tour.
Formed in 1992, the group emerged from Japan’s underground music scene and has since developed into an internationally recognised force in experimental music, known for its expansive and uncompromising approach to sound.
It is a rare opportunity to catch these Japanese icons before they embark on a 34-date tour of Britain and Europe in October.
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