Cocobat - Return of Grasshopper (1996)

 

                                                  Cocobat - Return of Grasshopper (1996)
I'm not going to lie and say i have a comprehensive discography of this Jap hardcore powerhouse. However, i have a few CDs of theirs knocking about and I'm always searching for more.

For those not already acquainted, Cocobat are a Japanese hardcore band who have been going strong since the early 90s. Their debut, which is HERE, is a great groove-infected hardcore record. Yep, that's what i said. Groove-infected.

Usually when the words Japanese and hardcore are used to describe something, people either think of
A: Hardcore pornography (usually of a disturbing nature)
B: Noisy Discharge-punx with mohicans and studded jackets

Although i'd love to say that Cocobat incorporates both of these things, they simply don't. Instead of ripping fast GAI worship, Cocobat opt for a groovy, metallic edge that was oh-so-new at the time.

No studded jackets or mohicans, say whaaaaat? I thought this was Japanese Hardcore!

That image should speak volumes, Cocobat aren't your typical punk band. While the likes of Confuse are accused of being a prime example of fashion-punks, Cocobat just look like a bunch or norms....by 90s standards at least.

Since Cocobat weren't spending hours patching and studding their apparel they must have spent their time practising their instruments because they are all super competent and water tight.

From what i can gather, after the first record they booted former vocalist Ryuji (Disarray/Bitousha/Dessert), drummer Matsuzaki, and Shinichi Suzuki (Lawshed) and replaced them with Koji on guitar, Kame on drums and Hideki on vocals. Basically, this record features only one member from the original line-up that recorded the self-titled effort - the amazingly named, and skilled, Take-Shit.

You'd think their sound would have changed with this massive overhaul. And while they do sound different, it's still a big mish-mash of heavy chugs, slap-bass, and schizoid guitar parts.You can tell that Take-Shit runs the joint, slapping-popping-taking shits everywhere on this record. Man, he can play. Guitar-wise Koji brings more 90s hardcore conventions to the table: militant chugs, natural harmonics, discordant chords, groove-riffing - the whole shebang. On top of this there are plenty of inventive ideas floating around by all members.

Annotating each song would probably be a big snore for y'all, so i'll just say this: If you didn't like their debut, you probably won't like this.

Take-Shit taking shits for shit and giggles
http://www98.zippyshare.com/v/WTRIvJMo/file.html