Grimm Grimm is the moniker of London-based Tokyo-born Koichi Yamanoha. Cliffhanger, is released by Some Other Planet in partnership with Kartel Music Group this June and we have the first airing of the album, listen above.
Cliffhanger‘s elliptical sonic tapestry blurs the lines between folk, psych-tinged pop and experimental field recordings. From the detuned organs and gauzy field recordings awash, akin to the acid washed pop of Animal Collective or the Flaming Lips. To its echoes of ’70s folk with the kind of surreal elements present in the work of Syd Barrett, moments that sound like the Beach Boys if they were produced by Daniel Johnston. Cliffhanger is a thrillingly refreshing ride through a shimmering soundtrack to Yamanoha’s vibrant imagination.
When asked about what inspired the name of the album, and informed the underlying theme, Yamanoha explains “I believe that we are all born again and our lives are like episodes of intense blockbuster films and for the title of the album I wanted to choose something that captures this feeling”.
Cliffhanger has some star guest turns, Shayou features synth tones from Kohhei Matsuda of cult noise rock band Bo Ningen plus vocals from Charlotte Courbe (Le Volume Courbe). Other guests include singer Dee Sada who appears on the title track Cliffhanger. The album was mixed in Berlin by producer Goh Nakada.
Yamanoha’s debut Grimm Grimm EP, Kazega Fuitara Sayonara, was released in late 2014 via Charlotte Courbe and Kevin Shields ’Pickpocket Records, followed by his debut album, Hazy Eyes Maybe, on ATP Recordings in 2015.
During Yamanoha’s time working with ATP, he was invited to perform at the ATP festival curated by artist mavericks Jake & Dinos Chapman and he toured with and supported luminaries such as Simon Finn, Dinosaur Jr, Wire, Thurston Moore, Lee Renaldo andThe Undertones. A Grimm Grimm track (Last Word Is Mine) from the ATP released album Hazy Eyes Maybewas used over the end credits for the Aaron Brooknerdirected documentary film Uncle Howard (2016), featuring William Burroughs. Grimm Grimm will be making a return to the live arena this summer, with tours and festivals across the world.
Grimm Grimm live shows:
28th June: Rose Hill Tavern, Brighton
