REVIEW

The first full-length album from Tokyo-based shoegaze band Kuyuru.

Formed in 2022, Kuyuru quickly gained attention for their overwhelming live performances. The current lineup consists of Orito Ayana (Vo/Gt), H. Tobita (Gt), Ueda Ryuta (Gt), Kawase Rui (Ba), and Yamaguchi Wataru (Dr). At the core of their sound is a triple-guitar assault that produces a wall of distortion, creating a violent yet beautiful contrast that is among the most intense in Japan. The drums cut through this sonic wall with incredible power, forming the backbone of the band’s formidable sound.

Given the extremity of the instrumentation, newcomers might initially feel this is far from shoegaze. Yet the ethereal, mirage-like vocals firmly anchor Kuyuru in the genre. This interplay of “violence” and “beauty” is central to their aesthetic.

The album features a diverse set of tracks that transcend genre boundaries. #1 “mope” alternates between quiet and intense passages, plunging the listener into darkness, while #2 “Aoisora” spirals with abrasive noise before culminating in a Blackgaze-style wall of sound. #7 “momo” blends slowcore melancholy with doomgaze weight, and #8 “BESIDE” unfolds into expansive post-rock-inspired soundscapes. Each of the eight tracks has a distinct character.

Recently, Japan has seen a rise in heavy shoegaze bands influenced by acts like Nothing and Whirr. Kuyuru, however, pushes further into new territory. They have performed at events that feature extreme hardcore and metal, captivating audiences with their aggressive, immersive sound—evidence of their embodiment of the alternative spirit in the Japanese shoegaze scene.

While the album production is clear and comfortable, it retains a live-like energy. Listeners who have experienced their concerts multiple times are likely to find it highly satisfying. In a live setting, the band attacks with an overwhelming sonic force that envelops the entire body—those unfamiliar should experience it firsthand. It becomes evident that Kuyuru truly shines in live performance. Earplugs are highly recommended.

The cover art also warrants attention. The image of a figure curling in darkness evokes a fetal position. One might imagine that, within the womb, the predominant sounds are the mother’s heartbeat and blood flow, with occasional calls or song reaching through the noise like beams of light. This can be interpreted as a primordial shoegaze archetype. In this context, the recent shoegaze boom in Japan could be seen as a collective desire to escape harsh realities into a “Lovescape”—a womb-like place of love and comfort. Kuyuru’s music serves as a perfect soundtrack for this longing.