TOKYO GIG PICKS (JUNE)

Man With a Mission

Never knowingly bettered, our Tokyo Gig Guide is characterised by its incredibly wide range of taste (no narrow comfort zone here, bro), a relentless instinct for the offbeat and interesting, and a brutal commitment to value for money. Here they are, then, Tokyo Met's gig picks for June.

SPARKS IN TOKYO

SPARKS are something of a cultish in-joke to their fans and followers, but, rather obtusely, are also legends and global superstars at the same time.  This weird dichotomy of 'obscure fame' may occasionally get in the way of their music, but sibling duo Ron and Russell Mael have created an iconic world of sound, embracing glam, power pop, art rock, electro, and dance. Their Tokyo shows are already sold out, but there's always the resale market! 12th and 13th of June. Ex Theater Roppongi. Price ¥9,800-12,000 (Ticket info: hang around the venue on the night in question). 

MAN WITH A MISSION

The problem with bands is that they become a bit famous and then start getting airs and challenging management for an undue share of the profits. The solution is to make them all wear wolf masks so that you can fire and replace them at will. This is clearly the inspiration for MAN WITH A MISSION and their mish-mash of alt-rock and metal. Either that or they are just really ugly and even wear the masks backstage! There is something of a 'dare' quality about performing like this, which may add a certain interest, although I can't help thinking the whole thing is just a dumb gimmick. Anyway, it got my attention. 19th June. Zepp Haneda. Price ¥5,000-6,600  (Ticket info) 

DMBQ

Music kind of found its 'sweet spot' with the blues-rock of the late 60s and 70s -- Clapton, Hendrix, Deep Purple, Zeppelin, etc, so it's understandable that some people, like DYNAMITE MASTERS BLUES QUARTET, don't want to ever move on. But not quite measuring up to the talent of their heroes, DMBQ don't transport you to Carnaby Street or the Marquee. Instead, they serve up a weird, invigorating "tortured dog" version of the great blues-rock masters. 16th & 17th June. Spread Shimokitazawa. Price ¥3,500 (Ticket Info).

NDUDUZO MAKHATHINI

Rising South African jazz pianist NDUDUZO MAKHATHINI (pronounced the same way it's spelled, obviously) makes his debut at Blue Note. He can switch from the usual American-inflected jazz thing to something much more African, characterised by tribal rhythms & hints of shamenry, and all the more hypnotic and mesmerising for that. 27th & 28th June. Blue Note. Price: ¥8,800 (Ticket info).