MOLICE

Japanese Sci Fi /Alt Rockers MOLICE release their 3rd album "Neugravity" and re-release 2009's debut "Doctor Ray" April 17th in North America on Good Charamel Records

Molice are a modern Japanese band who draw inspiration from 70's punk's DIY spirit, 80's new wave and power pop and 90's unchained indies guitar rock. While many Japanese bands are the product of management hired producers and stylists, Molice have gone their own indie way, and created their own sound from a wide and unlikely combination of influences. Their name also has a variety of inspirations including- the Police, and the "mo" of Jim Morrison, Mo Tucker, and Morissey. Music writers have scrambled to find comparisons, with the Pixies and the Pretenders coming up most often.

The band was formed in 2007 by the charismatic female singer/rhythm guitarist Rinko, high tension guitarist Yuzuru Takeda, and rock solid drummer Takeshi Koyama. Just months after coming they were invited to play Summer Sonic, one of Japan's biggest festivals.

After a year of polishing their material playing Tokyo's numerous rock venues, the band made their recorded debut in November 2008 with their album 'Doctor Ray'. The album quickly drew attention amongst Japanese rock fans, and surprisingly, substantial acclaim from abroad. The singles "White Vertigo", "Ms. Panic" and "Headphone" found their way into rotation on numerous US college radio stations. Their CD sold briskly in the States via CD Baby and their music video "Headphone" received airplay on Japan's Space Shower and France's NOLIFE TV programs. In the wake of their debut album they also received their first offer to play abroad, and did a short UK tour in late 2009.

Their sophomore effort 'Catalystrock' was released in March 2010, with the lead track "Monster" and "Romancer", which had a clever video shot in Shinjuku, drawing the most attention. Soon after its release, Molice made their TV debut, appearing on Fox Japan's "Backstage Pass." They were also again invited overseas, and played Vietnam's C.A.M.A. festival and headlined Atlanta's Anime Weekend. Their Taro Maruyama directed videos also helped draw attention to their music, and picked up play in Japan and in far away places like Malaysia and the States. Their album also caught the attention of Good Charamel Records, who released the album in North America.

Since their beginning, the band has had a high percentage of foreigners amongst their fans. Singer/ lyricist Rinko sings primarily in Japanese, in a melodic rock style, not in the high and whiny voice that is typical of much Japanese pop. Her lyrics are often romantic, but sometimes also venture into science-fiction. While she is a classically trained pianist, on stage she supplies big chunky rhythms on guitar. Molice's music has elements of US/UK classic rock as well as strands of shoe-gaze, goth and new wave. Their East/West hybrid sound has a wide appeal being both catchy and edgy. They continue to gain fans worldwide, and recently have been profiled on MTV's Iggy site, received radio airplay in the Philippines and Australia, and were invite a second time to play in Vietnam, where their videos have also appeared on Yan TV.

Meanwhile Molice have been writing and recording their much anticipated third release, 'Neugravity'. The album retains their raw rock sound punctuated by clever hooks, and lyrically goes deeper into sci-fi. "Blade Runner" in particular seems to have been an influence, demonstrated by songs titled "Rachel", "Please Please Pris" and "Tomei Mamire" (Wiped Clean). Rambunctious rock, robots and romance? Welcome to the world of Molice.