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Aug 04, 2015 Web Exclusive By Frank Valish

POWER OF SATAN is a four-piece from Tokyo, Japan. The band was started in 2007, after Gaia Tateishi, Yusuke Kono, and Ayumu Kitajima met as coworkers at Tower Records (yes, Japan still has functioning Tower Records stores). None of the three had previous band experience, but over the following years taught themselves instruments they found in the basement of Kono’s grandfather’s house. One additional player (Hiroyuki Oumi) and many basement practice sessions later, POWER OF SATAN finally played live in 2013 and now has released its debut single on Bleeding Gold Records.

Its name a nod to Daniel Johnston (Johnston’s “Don’t Play Card With Satan” begins, “Don’t play cards with Satan, he’ll deal you an awful hand.”), POWER OF SATAN’s debut is a slacker-fied, shambolic slice of indie-rock that suggests that all of the band’s hard work has paid off. “Pops” is jangly and melodic with restrained vocals. “Invader” begins in the same vein with marching baseline, before exploding in caustic guitar fury and unhinged vocal da-da-da’s at the track’s end. “In Restaurant” features a mildly dissonant vocal melody over rhythmic electric guitar and lead guitar shred. And “When” turns up the volume in a power pop melody with angular guitar reminiscent of early Strokes.

POWER OF SATAN is clearly a new band to be reckoned with. On the surface, the songs seem endearingly lo-fi, but underneath, the melodies shimmer and the songwriting is impeccable. Look for more from POWER OF SATAN. Hopefully soon. (http://bleedinggold.com/power-of-satan/) (http://power-of-satan.jimdo.com)