Shinsei Kamattechan’s ‘Seinaru Kousaten’: A fusion of past and present

Marking their 15th anniversary, internet pop-rock trailblazers Shinsei Kamattechan released their second best-of album, ‘Seinaru Kousaten’ (‘Holy Crossroads’), on November 15th. The compilation showcases re-recordings and re-imaginings of their biggest hits, featuring guest vocals from ACA-ne (ZUTOMAYO), ano, and the legendary Jun Togawa.

ACA-ne lends her vocals to ‘Front Memory’, a song she’s known for covering at live shows. ano, openly influenced by the band, features on ‘Boku Wa Ganbaru Yottsu’ (‘I’ll do my best’). Jun Togawa, deeply respected by the band, contributes her unique vocals to ‘Guroihana’ (‘Grotesque Flower’). Each artist brings individual charm to the re-imagined tracks.

In an exclusive interview with natalie, Shinsei Kamattechan and Jun Togawa explored Togawa’s profound impact on the band’s formation. Frontman and guitarist Noko expressed-

“Togawa-san is the blood, flesh, and bones of Shinsei Kamattechan. I am grateful for that anew.”

This collaboration showcases the interconnectedness of different generations in the Japanese music scene. Jun Togawa, a pioneering avant-garde singer born in 1961, gained a cult following in the 1980s to the early 1990s. She remains influential, making a return in the 2010s and even reviving her old magazine advice column as the YouTube show ‘Jun Togawa’s Life Advice’ in 2020.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the band recently featured on the late-night show ‘ANO-CHAN NO DEN DEN DENPA♪’, hosted by ano. The appearance included a collaborative performance, offering viewers a taste of Shinsei Kamattechan’s dynamic stage presence. Their ‘Holy Crossroad’ 15th-anniversary tour commenced on November 8th at Saitama’s HEAVEN’S ROCK and continues until January 24th, 2024.

Growing organically through guerrilla street performances, self-made music videos, and a unique blend of dark lyrical content with pop melodies and piano, Shinsei Kamattechan made their March 2010 debut with their album ‘Tomodachi wo Koroshite Made’ (‘To Kill a Friend’), swiftly moving from indie to major label later that year. In recent years, they gained international attention for ‘Boku no Sensō’ (‘My War’), the opening song for part 1 of the hit anime series Attack on Titan’s fourth season.

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