A big goodness on your life

>> Japan’s Zoobombs explode with excellence

by JOHNSON CUMMINS

Asian fascination with Western culture has hardly begun to wane, and when the East holds a mirror up with its interpretations of rock ’n’ roll, psychedelia and hip hop, the end result can often be… hilarious. Japan’s Zoobombs are certainly no exception, with their rib-tickling odes to rock getting a little lost in the translation, be it taking up arms over our need to dance to a “Stinky Boogie,” channelling the E Street Band on cough medicine with “Jamie” or just raving up and indiscriminately screaming, “Go flat, boys!”

When Zoobombs hit the stage, though, it’s another thing altogether. Chances are you’ll be too busy scooping your jaw off the floor to chortle down your sleeve. Zoobombs are a whirlwind of rock ’n’ roll energy and, as anybody who saw them steal the Pop Montreal festival a couple of years ago will attest, they are simply unbeatable in the live setting. The Mirror talked with guitarist/singer Don Matsuo via an e-mail exchange. Quotes have been left in verbatim—’cause they’re just so damn cute, right?

Mirror: There have always been great rock ’n’ roll bands from Japan, like Teengenerate, Electric Eel Shock and Guitar Wolf, but since the demise of those bands, we haven’t heard much rock ’n’ roll coming out of Japan. Is it still alive and well there?

Don Matsuo: Rock ’n’ roll was already dead the moment Buddy Holly’s died, right? In Japan, we didn’t even get a chance to start. People will get sick of rock ’n’ roll if there is no “real” band. Who are we?

M: Montreal has always been one of your favourite cities—why?

DM: Bagels. Montreal’s bagel is on top of the world.

M: Zoobombs have always been known for an intense live show. Why is playing music live so important?

DM: Live performance is totally important for me. I’m always looking to increasing my ability and pushing limits through playing music. It sounds like meditation or something, right? Pop music has lost the importance of live music, so I want them to show the human power. We are just four of very tiny Japanese people and are making big tide of vibration on stage. It proves something, right?

M: You mix rock, electronics, pop, dub and reggae into your songs. Is it important to keep an open mind towards all kinds of music?

DM: I don’t know. To tell the truth, I’m not a music maniac, I’m just a big Rolling Stones fan. Yes, some music need a time to understand, but once you get it, you get the key to next door and it is a big goodness on our life, I believe.

M: Promoter Dan Burke [see Punkusraucous Rex, p. 21] has been a longtime proponent of Zoobombs in Canada, and makes a cameo appearance on your new record, BBB. Why do you feel such a connection with him?

DM: I trust Dan Burke. I don’t know, but I have a strong bond in my heart with him and he’s doing really good to me. I know he is not good to everybody and his complex personality makes people confused, but I can see his tenderness through the strong wall of his heart. So I’ll ask someone who will talk with Dan, please talk with love and honest, not fight. Everyone needs love, right? Love!!!

AT CLUB LAMBI ON FRIDAY, MARCH 2
(WITH THE ETTES, LOTUSLAND) AND SUNDAY, MARCH4
(WITH TH MONGREALS, THE HOT SPRINGS), 9 P.M., $10