Richard BodinI have to say, writing for this webzine leads me to some surprises—and I love it. I was browsing recent releases to find something interesting to bring to your attention, there it was: Downy’s latest release, 第八作品集『無題』. This experimental band from Japan has been crafting remarkable music for over two decades. Their latest album is no exception.
A Band That Paints with Sound and Vision
Downy is often considered the founder of the Japanese post-punk movement. Formed in 2000, they quickly gained a following with their unique approach to music. Their sound is built on a complex rhythm section, layered with atmospheric guitars reminiscent of shoegaze. While their early works had stronger post-hardcore and noise rock influences, over time, they have evolved towards electronic soundscapes and experimental production techniques.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Downy is their integration of video as an essential part of their music. You might be thinking, “Plenty of bands use visuals in their performances—so what?” And you’d be right. Using video to support music performances is nothing new, many bands do it. Nor is creating momentum around the music with visual effect of some kind. Pink Floyd was doing it 60 years ago with psychedelic oil projections… What sets Downy apart is that they don’t just collaborate with a visual artist. One of their five core members, Zakuro, is an official Video Jockey (VJ). The video component isn’t just an accompaniment—it’s treated as an instrument in its own right, shaping the entire Downy experience alongside the music.
An Album That Speaks for Itself
第八作品集『無題』 (Mudai 8)—which translates to The Eighth Collection ‘Untitled’—continues Downy’s tradition of leaving their albums ‘without a title’. This choice seems intentional, letting the music stand entirely on its own. Arriving five years after their last album, Mudai 8 is a testament to their evolution and continued exploration of sonic landscapes.
The album opens with 日蝕 (Nisshoku), meaning Eclipse. It begins with sporadic rhythms and repetitive guitar strums. It is initially disorienting, but a pattern soon emerges and the track builds up. Bass and synths enter, adding depth, while atmospheric guitars guide the song into a hypnotic trance-like climax.
A familiar feeling
The next track, 剥離の窓 (Hakuri no Mado), opens with the glistening sounds of Sunna’s synths, soon joined by Akiyama Takahiko’s obsessive drum patterns and quiet, delicate guitars. The mood is relaxed, Robin Aoki’s voice is mesmerizing, and the music carries us effortlessly forward. As foundyou begins, something familiar stirs in my mind. I can’t quite place it at first…
And then it hits me—Robin Aoki’s vocals remind me of Thom Yorke. It’s the same kind of tone, the way the voice floats above the instrumentation, blending into the music like another instrument. The resemblance is particularly strong on tracks like 断層ジャズ (Dansou Jazu)—which translates to Fault Line Jazz. The arrangements, coupled with Aoki’s vocals, echo the experimental spirit of Radiohead’s Kid A or Amnesiac. But make no mistake—the comparison with the British band ends there.
A mesmerising, hypnotic chaos
One of the album’s highlights is 枯渇 (Kokatsu)—a mesmerising, hypnotic chaos. Its syncopated rhythms, powered by Kazuhiro Nakamata’s deep, pulsating bass, clash with frantic guitars and eerie synthesizers. The song moves unpredictably, halting and restarting, dragging the listener into a hazy trance before breaking free again. It’s a perfect showcase of Downy’s experimental brilliance. My only regret is that I don’t have the visual component to complete the full Downy experience.
The album ends in a blaze of glory with 叢雨 (Murasame). This track was originally released on their 2022 EP 喘鳴 (Zennai). The title means “Sudden Rain”, and much like rainfall, the song’s dynamics shift between moments of serenity and sudden, intense surges. It’s a stunning closer to an already remarkable album.
Final thoughts
第八作品集『無題』is an immersive and evolving experience. Every listen comes with new sensation. It really is fascinating. If you’re a fan of bands that push sonic boundaries this album deserves your attention. And if you ever get the chance to see Downy live, where their music fully merges with their visual artistry, don’t miss it. I know i wouldn’t.
