COLLAPSE – “Path”

Amidst the flurry of band dissolution announcements last week, I was alarmed to see this Twitter thread from Tokyo shoegazers COLLAPSE (not to be confused with Tokyo Shoegazer, although singer Shoko Inoue was once part of Tokyo Shoegazer, as you know), announcing: “As of April 2026, Gt.YU will be leaving the band, and going forward, […]

The Voices of Tokyo Shoegazer

Cat-loving J-gaze godheads Tokyo Shoegazer have just released their fourth album Remains, and obviously believing that their name tells you everything you need to know, did not release a single video or preview of any kind. And since the whole thing is out now, you can just go and listen on the platform of your […]

COLLAPSE – “Syrup”

Gig-going wasn’t the primary purpose of going to Japan earlier this year – it ranked somewhat below taking my son to see a giant Buddha statue an hour outside of Tokyo – but I was still thrilled to be able to manage both a huge arena show – Hitsujibungaku in Yokohama – and a little […]

COLLAPSE – “Underwater”

If there is any place on earth that is a physical manifestation of the Japanese dreampop/shoegaze scene, I think it would be Kōenji HIGH, a venue – or live house, as they call clubs here – in the northwest of Tokyo. They regularly host showcases from label/promoters Dreamwaves and Total Feedback, and by pure luck […]