It may seem like the ultimate oxymoron to combine modern rock with a retro sound, but it totally works. Case in point: The Routes. Based in Japan, this Garage Punk band is so true to form that you will seriously question when their recordings were made. With Shinichi Nakayama on drums, Chris Jack on guitars & vox and original bassist Toru Nishimuta laying down the bass this band is a gem waiting to be adopted globally.
I had the chance to ask a few questions to Chris Jack recently, here’s how it went:
CL: The Routes are so authentic. What initially drew you to the sound you have?
CJ: Do you mean the literal sound or style?
CL: Interesting distinction, let's do both.
CJ: We're really into doing everything ourselves, that way we can make the exact sound we want, without someone putting compressors and limiters on everything. We tried to record at a studio before but it just sounded dead. I hate the sterile clean sound of studios. We don't want to be smooth and clean. We don't sound like that live. I want to hear atmosphere. I want to feel like I'm in the same room as the band playing (like with old records). I want to hear the buzz of the amps.
CL: Wanting to hear atmosphere is a great way to put it. And style?
CJ: For me personally, nothing sounds as good as just a guitar, a drum kit, a bass and vocals (organ optional)... The simple format has the most impact for me... You can be as witty or fancy as you want with your lyrics, and use crazy chords or fancy time signatures, but compare it to someone playing 3 chords... You can douse everything in crazy effects, use the latest synths, vocoders, sequencers and crap, but put it next to a raw live band with 3 chords... There's a reason this basic format has thrived through the decades whether it be rockabilly, garage, blues, punk, whatever... It's a full proof formula. It doesn't age poorly, it's far from self-indulgent, it doesn't lose energy... With the same three chords you can make any kind of song you want. It's all you need. It's timeless.
CL: Can you tell me about some of your influences, past and present?
CJ: The first Routes album "Left My Mind" was very much influenced by UK rhythm and blues (Downliners Sect, Pretty Things, Yardbirds, Rolling Stones etc...).
The second and most recent album "Alligator" (out now on Dirty Water Records) has more of a US garage feel to it (Back From The Grave, Teenage Shutdown).
Our next album will be different again.
Personally I listen to all kinds of music. Currently on my turntable is Brazilian Nuggets 2, Terauchi Takeshi, Os Haxixins, Residents, This Heat, Pharoah Sanders, Can.
CL: What is the Garage scene like in Japan?
CJ: In Tokyo there is a scene, but we're not involved with it. We just do our own little thing oblivious to whatever else is going on. Over the mountains from us there are a few other bands Paralyz, La-La Lee's and a surf band called Whys.
CL: For the tech heads out there, what kind of gear do you use to get your vintage sound?
CJ: The drummer Shin-chan has 2 60s Ludwig kits, and a 60s Rogers kit (main kit). He uses various 60s Ludwig snares, vintage Zildjian cymbals, and vintage Rogers/Ludwig stands/seat.
As for guitars, I use a 1967 Vox Starstream, 1967 Yamaha SG-3, 1966 Gretsch Astro Jet...My main live guitar is a custom made Mosrite Japan Combo. It will be heavily featured on the next album. I use an Ampeg Reverberocket reissue, and a fender Twin. I'm currently using a 60s vintage Mosrite amp. The only effector I use is a Vox Valve Tone pedal (I use it set very mild).
Other than that we have a couple of 60s Acetone combo organs, a 1967 Vox Astro bass, and 60s Shure SH-55 mics.
We're very passionate about vintage gear, although I really don't see it as a necessity to making the sound we make. I think that our sound is a result of a very simple recording technique, using few mics.
CL: Do you have a favorite original song to play live?
CJ: That's a tough one... It depends on what kind of form I'm on. If I'm on good form I like "As It Is". If I'm having a grim night, I prefer "Make You Sorry" from the first album (very easy to play). I also like to play the "Mantohihi Mama" single.
CL: What projects are The Routes currently involved in?
CJ:We're currently recording 10 original instrumental songs, which will be hopefully released as a limited edition LP on Groovie Records (Portugal).
CL: Let's make the last one a fun one...describe your music in one word.
CJ: Bulbous
CL: Outstanding!
If you are a fan of the Nuggets or Pebbles Collections, this will fit right into your world. If you are not, you should be. Ultimately, the garage is the epicenter of Rock and to some extent always will be...even if nowadays the electric guitars are potentially plugged in beside the electric cars.
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