God with you?
Kōenji’s music culture doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Nishi-Ogikubo, Shinjuku, and Shimokitazawa are just a few of the neighbourhoods with venues hosting punk, alternative, and underground music.
That’s why on a Friday night, we were able to gig-hop from the iconic Niman Denatsu in East Kōenji to Pit Bar in Nishi-Ogikubo, three stops west of Kōenji.
There’s a lot to say about this night, but it was MONE¥i$GOD that grabbed us by our throats and demanded a reaction.
Formed in 1999, MONE¥i$GOD is a post-hardcore punk band fronted by scene veteran KAN (ex. Asbestos, Urgesnake). KAN-san has been active in the underground music scene for over thirty-five years – that’s enough to warrant a gold watch for long-term service in a different context (although he’d most probably turn it down).
I’m not used to hardcore nor post-hardcore. But I’m finding that after the initial shock to the system and the short bout of resistance that hit in the first minute, I am fully drawn in.
KAN san’s-growling voice and unrelenting stage presence combined with the reassuring stability of the band made MONE¥i$GOD the perfect headliner for an event called ‘punk meeting’.
