Boris have spent the past three decades exploring heavy music in all its forms, encompassing doom/sludge metal, drone, stoner rock, noise rock, shoegaze, punk, psych rock and more. The prolific Japanese band have also collaborated with numerous artists over the years, including Sunn O))), Ian Astbury, Merzbow and Uniform.
This month they return to Australia for a national tour, accompanied by J-Rock legend Kiyoharu and his band, billed as the “Heavy Rock Breakfast” tour.
Rod Hunt spoke to Boris’ frontman, Atsuo, via email.
Atsuo – you are now the band’s singer again instead of playing drums as well as singing. What was the reason for that change? Are you enjoying being able to focus on vocals only when you play live?
“When we entered the pandemic, there was a period where we had to maintain distance from people. Once tours could resume, I wanted to directly connect with the audience and eliminate the distance. Every day brings new discoveries regarding vocalisation, and it feels like a new day every day. I am really enjoying it.”
The band’s name was inspired by the Melvins song, ‘Boris’. Last year you toured the USA with the Melvins on the ‘Twins of Evil’ tour. What did you enjoy the most about touring with them? Had you ever played with them or toured with them before that?
“We had shared the stage with them several times before, and I used to hang out at their shows when they came to Japan. It was truly an honour that last year’s tour materialised; I never dreamed such a thing could happen. It’s a real pride to have completed a tour with one of the world’s top touring bands, and it became a confidence booster for us.”
Boris has collaborated with a lot of different artists. Is it important for the band to regularly work with other artists? What do you gain from these collaborations?
“We often get asked about collaborations in interviews, but for us, it’s very spontaneous. It’s natural to want to make noise with friends we meet through music. We recently entered the studio with Kiyoharu, and being in the same space, we witnessed each other’s thoughts on sound, perspectives on music, and the real process of pronunciation and vocalisation, so our awareness towards sound is constantly updated. Kiyoharu has the power to resonate the place instantly, which deeply moved me. I’ve seen his stage several times, but playing in the same space allowed me to feel it more deeply. It’s like I discovered his secret.”
You are bringing Kiyoharu with you on your Australian tour. What is it that you admire about him and his work? Has he been an influence on Boris?
“Personally, Kiyoharu is the artist I saw live the most after we entered the pandemic. His efforts during the pandemic were robust, always challenging problems while moving forward. He has been active in the major field for 30 years, yet continues his unique activities independently without relying on organisations. In that sense, there is a lot of resonance. He always embodies the dangerous aspects that shake up the Japanese music industry, representing the original thrill of rock. The song ‘she is burning’ we’re performing on this tour was influenced by his work.”
You have toured Australia many times. Are there any gigs, tours or festivals that you have played in Australia that stand out as being your favourites?
“The Vivid festival curated by Lou Reed is very memorable. Being able to meet him in person, shake hands, and hear him say ‘I love Boris’ was a real honour and is engraved in my memory.”
Are you a fan of any Australian bands or artists?
“The Birthday Party! Zoot! Of course, AC/DC too! Can someone find me a Zoot vinyl??? The band Rick Springfield was in.”
When you first visited Australia, was there anything in particular that surprised you? Good or bad.
“It’s just so vast. The tours involve daily flights, making for long days without much sleep, turning it into one of the hardest tours in the world.”
When you’re not writing or playing music, how do you like to spend your free time?
“There’s a mountain of work related to music, videos, and design, so I don’t really have free time. My hobby might be sound producing for other bands.”
Every music fan I know who has visited Japan says that the record stores are amazing. Why do you think that is?
“I think the quality of products made by Japanese and their management capability is actually high. Records are individually cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners before being put on the shelves. They cater to deep maniacs, so the care and knowledge accumulation are crazy.”
MARCH 6: Manning Bar, Sydney
MARCH 7: Powerhouse Ohm, Brisbane
MARCH 8: Corner Hotel, Melbourne
MARCH 9: Golden Plains Festival
MARCH 10: Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
MARCH 11: Freo Social, Fremantle