Electric Eel Shock

Last updated
Electric Eel Shock
EES Arsya.jpg
Background information
Origin Tokyo, Japan
Genres Garage Rock, Hard Rock, [1] Rock and Roll, Heavy Metal
Years active1994 (1994)–present
Labels Double Peace, Rodeostar (Germany), Universal (Japan), Roadrunner Japan, Gearhead, Spooky, Bitzcore
MembersAkihito Morimoto
Kazuto Maekawa
Tomoharu "Gian" Ito
Website www.electriceelshock.com

Electric Eel Shock (EES) is a three-man garage rock band, formed in Tokyo in 1994. Their first tour was in the United States in 1999.

Contents

History

Background

Akihito Morimoto 2016 at Das Bett in Frankfurt Electric Eel Shock Das Bett Frankfurt Akihito Morimoto 01.jpg
Akihito Morimoto 2016 at Das Bett in Frankfurt

Akihito "Aki" Morimoto (guitar and vocals) and Kazuto Maekawa (bass) first met in high school in Osaka. [2] Aki learned English by listening to the lyrics of his favorite bands. [2] Before Electric Eel Shock, Aki and Maekawa first formed an 80s metal cover band in high school [2] [3] called Caducious. [4]

Aki and Maekawa remained in Tokyo. Aki followed his passion for fishing [2] and became a competitive angler [2] (he still writes for Japan's largest fishing magazine, Basser Magazine [2] [5] [6] ) and Maekawa joined The Apollos (a Japanese funk band) for a short time as session bassist. Maekawa introduced their drummer, Tomoharu Ito (known as Gian, due to his similar appearance to a well-known Japanese comedian of that name) to Aki. Gian, Maekawa, and Aki started practicing together shortly afterwards.

Early years

The band's first public performances was as an 11-piece group [2] [3] with keyboards, female vocals, and French horns. When logistics became unworkable [2] the band stripped down to a three-piece.

Gian began playing with four drumsticks [7] and gained a reputation for performing almost naked. [7] [8] [9] Gian was arrested in Hong Kong and fined HK$100, [10] [3] for playing this way.

Electric Eel Shock set up the Micro Music record label with their friends [11] and released their first full-length album, Maybe... I Think We Can Beat Nirvana. [12] They followed this with Live Punctured. [13]

In 1999, Electric Eel Shock recorded Slayers Bay Blues on an eight-track recorder,[ citation needed ] and made enough copies to begin their first concerts abroad. They had lined up a handful of dates in and around New York, including CBGB, [4] with their friends [4] [8] Peelander-Z who had relocated there some time earlier. [4] Due to the success of these gigs, the initially planned handful of dates expanded into an East Coast tour.

Go America

The band returned to the US and toured almost constantly for the next two years. All the while, the band survived on the sale of CDs, t-shirts, and help from friends. [2] They then recorded the EP Go America. [14]

Go Europe

In early 2003, the band received an email invitation from journalist Bob Slayer to perform in London. [15] On January 16, 2003, Electric Eel Shock landed in London for five hastily-arranged gigs. The five shows became twelve gigs in ten days[ citation needed ]. The band relied exclusively on `the London Underground as their only form of transport. [2] After this, they returned to the US with Bob Slayer as their new manager. [3]

The band spent the rest of 2003 between the US and Europe. Highlights included playing at both the SXSW [9] and CMJ festivals in America, [8] playing at Roskilde Festival [16] in Denmark, headlining the Rockit Hong Kong Music Festival, [17] and supporting the Canadian band Danko Jones on a 40-date European tour. [18]

At the start of 2004, Electric Eel Shock went into the studio for the last of the Go sessions. Although these were still produced on a relatively low budget, and paid for by the band, this was the first time that they had used a studio[ citation needed ] and sound engineer as opposed to a practice room, kitchen or cupboard[ citation needed ]. The results, Go Europe! / Go USA!, were licensed around the world and the band went on a promotional tour that took in 25 countries and 27 European festivals[ citation needed ].

Beat Me

The band's European base camp for much of their touring in 2004 was the Suicide Motel in Utrecht, [19] Netherlands, which Bob Slayer set up with Frank Suicide the guitarist of the Dutch band Wasted [ citation needed ]. Whilst spending time in the Netherlands, they developed their friendship with Grammy-nominated producer, Attie Bauw, (who had worked with Judas Priest and the Scorpions) that they had met in Amsterdam during the Danko Jones tour[ citation needed ]. Electric Eel Shock were soon making plans with Bauw [2] [3] for a new album. The aim was to capture the energy and character of an Electric Eel Shock performance with a production comparable to the early Black Sabbath albums that inspired their creation[ citation needed ]. Assisting Attie in the studio was the band's live engineer, Tim Bray, who had become a fixture on tour with the band. [19]

The band finished recording Beat Me at the end of December 2004, [19] and returned to Japan for the first time in a long time, to do a few gigs[ citation needed ].

Throughout 2005 EES shows became larger; with tours in the US and Europe alongside the Bloodhound Gang, [3] [20] [21] headlining festivals, [22] and playing with the West Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra. [21] Electric Eel Shock also made an appearance in the video clip for the Bloodhound Gang song "Uhn Tiss Uhn Tiss Uhn Tiss". [3] Their tours throughout Europe at the end of 2005 were completely sold out[ citation needed ].

In March 2006, Beat Me was released in Japan on legendary metal label Roadrunner Records. [19] The band toured Japan, Australia, [2] New Zealand[ citation needed ] and the US [23] in 2006 and played festivals in Europe[ citation needed ].

Transworld Ultra Rock

Electric Eel Shock released Transworld Ultra Rock on October 1, 2007. [24] The album was the first release on their own label Double Peace Records. The band toured throughout Europe in support of the new album, later appearing as a support act on The Presidents of the United States of America's These Are the Good Times People tour. [25] The album was released by P-Vine records on November 16, 2007 in Japan. [26]

Sugoi Indeed

Electric Eel Shock joined Sellaband on 2 May 2008 [27] to raise the funds to record their next album. On 25 June 2008 after 55 days the band successfully raised $50,000. [28]

The press release describes Sugoi Indeed as an album full of classic rock hand-crafted in Japan. Attie Bauw, who produced the last two EES albums, was at the controls again, only this time he engineered the basic tracks and Electric Eel Shock took the production reins on the album themselves.

The album was licensed to several labels around the world and was released in October 2009.

Crowdfunding

Electric Eel Shock has strong support from their fans and became one of the first bands without previous significant record label success to fully embrace crowdfunding. In 2004 they raised £10,000 from 100 fans (the Samurai 100) by offering them guestlist for life. [29] Two years later they became the fastest band to raise the 50,000 budget through SellaBand. [30] The album Sugoi Indeed has been licensed to Universal Records in Japan and various independent labels around the world.

EES and their UK based manager Bob Slayer became consultants on first SellaBand and later PledgeMusic. Having played an important role in establishing the viability and model for crowdfunding in music, they have now launched their own crowd funding site Fan-Bo.com. Launched in June 2012, Fan-Bo is a place where fans of Japanese pop culture can support independent bands, artists, writers and other creatives.

Discography

Albums

Singles/EPs

Videos/DVDs

Compilations

Documentaries

Sex, Drugs, & Email [34] [35]

Live drummers

From 2007 to 2011 Gian was unable to make all tours, when he was not available to tour EES used a number of stand in drummers: Gian has now returned to the band permanently.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Band</span> Canadian rock band

The Band was a Canadian-American rock band formed in Toronto, Ontario, in 1957. It consisted of Canadians Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel, Robbie Robertson, and American Levon Helm. The Band's music combined elements of Americana, folk, rock, jazz and country, which influenced artists such as George Harrison, Elton John, the Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, and Wilco.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rick Danko</span> Canadian singer, songwriter, and musician (1943–1999)

Richard Clare Danko was a Canadian musician, bassist, songwriter, and singer, best known as a founding member of the Band, for which he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electric Eels (band)</span> American protopunk band

The Electric Eels were an American rock band active between 1972 and 1975, formed by John D Morton in Cleveland, Ohio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eels (band)</span> American indie rock band

Eels is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1991 by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mark Oliver Everett, known by the stage name E. Band members have changed over the years, both in the studio and on stage, making Everett the only official member for most of the band's work. Eels' music is often filled with themes of family, death, and unrequited love. Since 1996, Eels has released fifteen studio albums, seven of which entered the Billboard 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Richard Manuel</span> Canadian musician (1943–1986)

Richard George Manuel was a Canadian musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as a pianist and one of three lead singers in the Band, for which he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Danko Jones</span> Canadian rock trio

Danko Jones is a Canadian hard rock trio from Toronto, also adopted by Barcelona. The band consists of Danko Jones (vocals/guitar), John "JC" Calabrese (bass), and Rich Knox (drums). The band's music includes elements of hard rock and punk,

<i>Hefty Fine</i> 2005 studio album by Bloodhound Gang

Hefty Fine is the fourth studio album by American alternative rock band Bloodhound Gang, released on September 27, 2005. Produced by band frontman Jimmy Pop, it was Bloodhound Gang's third release on Geffen Records following the band's smash hit Hooray for Boobies which managed to sell over one million copies in the United States and Europe. It was also the band's last album with former guitarist Lüpüs Thünder and the only album with drummer Willie the New Guy—they were replaced in 2008 and 2006 by A members Daniel P. Carter and Adam Perry, respectively. The album contains electronic instruments and heavy emphasis on scatological humor.

<i>How to Measure a Planet?</i> 1998 studio album by The Gathering

How to Measure a Planet? is the fifth studio album by the Dutch rock band The Gathering. It was released as a double CD on 9 November 1998 by Century Media Records. The album was recorded at Bauwhaus Studios, Amsterdam, and Wisseloord Studios, Hilversum, between July and October 1998 under the guidance of producer Attie Bauw.

<i>Resurrection</i> (Halford album) 2000 studio album by Halford

Resurrection is the debut album by the American heavy metal band Halford, released on August 8, 2000. It features the song "The One You Love to Hate", featuring Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson. "Silent Screams" is a re-recorded song that was originally written by Halford's previous band 2wo.

Mucky Pup were an American hardcore and crossover thrash band formed in Bergenfield, New Jersey, in 1986, when brothers Chris (vocals) and John (drums) Milnes joined up with Scott Dottino (bass) and Dan Nastasi (guitar) as the cover band, Predator. The band soon began writing original material and changed the band name to Mucky Pup. Over the years, the band went through several lineup changes and musical style changes while gaining minor success in both the US and Europe. Their breakthrough moment occurred when they won second place in a Bloom County comic strip contest, resulting in the band performing a song featured on a flexi disc packaged with a 1987 Bloom County comic strip compilation. However, their European success, based on strong tours and charting for the 1989 A Boy in a Man's World album, surpassed all recognition achieved in their home country. The band split up in 1995 but reunited from 2009 through 2014 with a rotating lineup of both former and new members with vocalist Chris Milnes being the only constant.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The View (band)</span> Scottish indie rock band

The View are a Scottish indie rock band that formed in Dundee, Angus in 2005. They incorporate various styles such as punk, pop, alternative rock, and folk in their music. They are best known for their 2007 single "Same Jeans" which reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Good Shoes</span> English indie rock band

Good Shoes were a four-piece English indie rock band, hailing from Morden, London.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volbeat</span> Danish rock band

Volbeat are a Danish rock band formed in Copenhagen in 2001. They play a fusion of rock and roll and heavy metal. Their current line-up consists of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Michael Poulsen, drummer Jon Larsen, and bassist Kaspar Boye Larsen. The band is signed to Dutch label Mascot Records and has released eight studio albums and one DVD. Their second album Rock the Rebel/Metal the Devil received platinum status, and their 2010 release Beyond Hell/Above Heaven was subject to widespread international critical acclaim, receiving triple platinum in Denmark and Austria, double platinum in Sweden, platinum in Canada, 5× Gold in Germany, and gold in both Finland and the United States. Volbeat's most recent studio album, Servant of the Mind, was released in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uhn Tiss Uhn Tiss Uhn Tiss</span> 2005 single by Bloodhound Gang

"Uhn Tiss Uhn Tiss Uhn Tiss" is the eleventh track and the second single from American rock band Bloodhound Gang's fourth studio album, Hefty Fine (2005). The title is an onomatopoeic representation of a typical four-on-the-floor dance beat. Released on November 25, 2005, the song became a top-20 hit in Austria, Flanders, and Germany.

<i>Go USA!</i> 2005 studio album by Electric Eel Shock

Go USA! is the fifth album of Japanese band Electric Eel Shock and was released in 2005 in the United States. This album has the same tracks as the Bitzcore release of the album Go Europe!. Go Europe! was released before Go USA! in 2004.

<i>Transworld Ultra Rock</i> 2007 studio album by Electric Eel Shock

Transworld Ultra Rock is the seventh album of Japanese band Electric Eel Shock and was released in 2007. The Album was produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Attie Bauw. The album was recorded at Bauwhaus Studios, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The Drums were recorded at The Tracking Room, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Additional vocal arrangement and production on track 12 by David Laudat.

<i>Go Europe!</i> 2004 studio album by Electric Eel Shock

Go Europe! is the fourth album of Japanese band Electric Eel Shock and was released in 2004 in Europe. This album was renamed and released also as Go USA!.

<i>Beat Me</i> 2005 studio album by Electric Eel Shock

Beat Me is the sixth album of Japanese band Electric Eel Shock and was released in 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bloodhound Gang</span> American rock band

The Bloodhound Gang is an American rock band from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Formed in 1992 by rappers Jimmy Pop and Michael "Daddy Long Legs" Bowe, the band is known for its crude lyrics that are full of sexual innuendos. The band has sold more than six million albums since its formation and is best known for their singles, "Fire Water Burn", "The Bad Touch", "Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo", "Uhn Tiss Uhn Tiss Uhn Tiss", "The Ballad of Chasey Lain", and a hard rock version of the Association's 1966 pop song "Along Comes Mary."

Slayers Bay Blues is the third album of Japanese band Electric Eel Shock and was released in 1999.

References

  1. ↑ "Electric Eel Shock - discography, line-up, biography, interviews, photos".
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Regan, Craig. "Electric Eel Shock fronts the bar". www.i94bar.com. Archived from the original on 2012-02-12. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Electric Eel Shock". JaME World. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Westin, C" "Proper Magazine" [ permanent dead link ]
  5. ↑ ""Green Ridge Fish Farming"". Archived from the original on 2008-09-05. Retrieved 2009-01-18.
  6. ↑ ""A different Basser Article"". Archived from the original on 2011-10-06. Retrieved 2009-01-18.
  7. 1 2 ""Despres, S" "Gig Review"". Archived from the original on 2008-07-24. Retrieved 2009-01-19.
  8. 1 2 3 ""Tanzer, J" "Returning Japanese"". Archived from the original on 2008-12-25. Retrieved 2009-01-18.
  9. 1 2 "TCB: SXSW News" "The Austin Chronicle"
  10. ↑ "Rockit music Festival, Hong Kong 2004 and 2003". Hkoutdoors.com. 2 October 2004. Retrieved 2012-09-03.
  11. ↑ "Electric Eel Shock Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio..." AllMusic. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  12. ↑ "Electric Eel Shock - Maybe I think, They Can Beat Nirvana (Xavier's longer version) | The Skinny". www.theskinny.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  13. ↑ "Live Punctured (Remaster 2024), by ELECTRIC EEL SHOCK". ELECTRIC EEL SHOCK. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  14. ↑ "Go America !, by ELECTRIC EEL SHOCK". ELECTRIC EEL SHOCK. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  15. ↑ ""Grunebaum, D" "metropolis.co.jp"". Archived from the original on 2009-02-26. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
  16. ↑ Wiederhorn, John. "Electric Eel Shock". MTV. Archived from the original on 2 May 2008. Retrieved 22 January 2009.
  17. ↑ Rockit Hong Kong Music Festival
  18. ↑ Weston, Colin (3 October 2003). "EES: Danko Very Much". Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on 23 March 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
  19. 1 2 3 4 "CD Liner notes for Roadrunner (Japan) release of Beat Me"
  20. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20081201062656/http://drownedinsound.com/news/13046. Archived from the original on 2008-12-01. Retrieved 2009-01-19.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  21. 1 2 Kenn, Rob. "Interview with Akihito Morimoto". From Out of Nowhere. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
  22. ↑ "Scarborough Beached Festival". Archived from the original on 2008-07-08. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
  23. ↑ "Electric Eel Shock's 2006 Concert History".
  24. ↑ "Tolley, S" "Electric Eel Shock - Transworld Ultra Shock"
  25. ↑ "The editor" "rock-metal-music-reviews.com" [usurped]
  26. ↑
  27. ↑ "EES Sellaband Artist page" Archived 6 May 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  28. ↑ "Sellaband Tribune Edition 88" Archived 27 January 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  29. ↑ "Drownedinsound.com "Wanna Go VIP? Electric Eel Shock'll show you the way...", Dec 2nd, 2004". Archived from the original on 2012-10-18. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
  30. ↑ "itsallhappening, June 24th, 2008". Archived from the original on 2012-11-15.
  31. ↑ Amazon Link for Video
  32. ↑ "Track listing for Live performance DVD" Archived 2011-10-02 at the Wayback Machine
  33. ↑
  34. ↑ "Electric Eel Shock - Sex Drugs and E-mail - Do The Metal". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
  35. ↑ Archived 2009-01-07 at the Wayback Machine
  36. ↑ [ permanent dead link ]
  37. ↑ "Hiroto serving drinks to the PUSA on stage"
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.