The dissolution of the the Kokessies (ザ コケッシーズ) sent all the members of the band off onto other musical ventures. The drummer and guitarist went on to form the Pigeons, and Tomio, the other vocalist and guitarist, went on to form M.A.G.O.. The two bands are so extremely different it is amazing the two were ever in the same group.
The Pigeons (ピジョンズ) are an indie-folk duo led by their vocalist and guitarist “Be” and accompanied by the sparse drumming of “Sami”. The sometimes jazzy, sometimes folk music is interspersed live with the goofy comedy of the group, the stories and talk, mistakes and restarts, fumbling for the set-list while talking about the origins of the songs. They each feed off each other and work wonderfully as a duo.
But the centerpiece of the group is undoubtedly Be’s amazing voice, which has to be heard to be believed. How long can she stretch out that note? How high can she go? How can she always sing so absolutely, perfectly in key? Why can’t I sing like that?
The “folk” guitar is actually an electric, but she finger picks everything, never missing a string. The effect of her voice, her windy melodies and chords, with the steady drumming produced a magical effect when I saw them play at Bears in Osaka. Comparisons to Papa Box wouldn’t be out of question, with that band’s more sedate version of indie folk.
Other projects of Be, include the Petals(ペートルズ) and Strawberry Flower (ストロべリーフラワー). Check them all out.
SCENE: Kyoto
GENRE: Indie Rock/Pop
WORKS:
Pigeons (ピジョンズ) 2002
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