Penguin no Yuuutsu: A Tokyo indie rock solitary project crafting melancholy

Earlier this month, indie solo project Penguin no Yuuutsu (ぺんぎんの憂鬱) experienced a moment of virality on X (Twitter) after a snippet of their 2022 music video for ‘Ochiru’ quickly gained traction, amassing over 400,000 views and sparking a surge in new listeners (including us).

Penguin no Yuuutsu, a solo project occasionally operating in Tokyo, is the indie rock darling on the scene, garnering underground acclaim for their mash-up of alternative, bedroom pop, post-rock and even Britpop influences. Led by Tanahashi, a Fukuoka native residing in Tokyo, the project crafts melancholic songs with unsettling chord progressions and developments, irregular math rock rhythms, coupled with vocals and lyrics that delve into darker themes. Think bands like tricot, Hitsujibungaku, and Regal Lily.

Originally forming as a 4-piece band around 2018, Penguin no Yuuutsu transitioned into a solo project by 2019. Tanahashi, the guitarist and vocalist, handles all aspects of songwriting, composition, arrangement, and performance. Over the years, the project has undergone various phases, incorporating different musicians for live performances and recordings.

Penguin no Yuuutsu’s music is characterized by its introspective lyrics tinged with resignation, delivered with a languid and translucent vocal style. Influenced by indie, alternative, post-rock, electronic, bedroom pop, shoegaze, and Britpop, the project explores a wide range of musical territory.

With two EPs under the project’s name, the 2022 debut EP, ‘Aimaimu’, and the follow-up ‘Tokudaimu’ in 2023, Penguin no Yuuutsu has also hosted the self-produced ‘Dream’s Loophole’ events, showcasing its music alongside other artists.

Photos by Seto Sunao

As of 2024, Penguin no Yuuutsu remains a solo project, with Tanahashi balancing music creation alongside daily responsibilities. Despite the challenges of managing the project alone, Tanahashi’s dedication to her craft echoes through everything she produces.

This project embodies the creative vision of its founder, providing listeners with a window into the introspective realm of Tokyo’s indie rock scene. With its unsettling yet compelling soundscapes, the project invites audiences to explore the depths of emotion through music.

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