Back with a bang: AUTO-MOD, the trailblazers of positive punk/goth in Japan, returned to the stage with a fresh lineup and a self-titled new album. Sharing the stage with Seiten no Hekireki & DJ Okite Porsche, the night was a celebration of music and connection, leaving the attendees with cherished memories.
On November 12th 2023, Japanese pioneers of Posi-Punk and Goth-Rock movements, AUTO-MOD, made a come-back to the stage at Club Phase Takadanobaba (Tokyo, JP), following the release of their self-titled new album, “AUTO-MOD”. The band’s fresh lineup and new album, which features a mix of reworked classics and original songs is bringing a fresh energy and dynamic to their music while staying true to their signature style. Led by the enigmatic GENET, who has been a driving force in the band since its inception in 1983, AUTO-MOD now includes Tak on guitar, DEAN on bass, and PAZZ on drums. The event, presented by The Haunted House, was originally set to feature AUTO-MOD clas-six, Seiten no Heikireki, DJ Okite Porsche and AUTO-MOD. Unfortunately, AUTO MOD clas-six which consists of AUTO-MOD’s frontman GENET, bassist & programmer Mitsugu Watanabe (PERSONZ) and guitarist Shoichi Tomomori (ex-Rebecca) had to cancel their performance due to the bassist falling ill. Instead, the audience was treated to a recorded live performance from a recent show, allowing fans to experience the band’s unique fusion of groovy elements and jazzy influences, which they refer to as “adult-oriented rock”.
Following the video projection, the band Seiten no Hekireki – which means “thunderbolt out of the blue” – took the stage and delivered a powerful instrumental performance. In a musical landscape where vocals often steal the limelight and instrumental is sometimes overlooked, Seiten no Hekireki boldly places their instruments at the forefront. Composed of guitarist/bassist Ken Miyo (M-AGE/THE MORTAL), guitarist Yoshitsugu Nakamura and drummer Yasuhiro Nakagawa (wipe/Sugar Parade), the band was a real whirlwind of energy.
At approximately 7:10 PM, AUTO-MOD finally made their appearance, fully embracing their Punk-Rock, Gothic style with dramatic makeup and attire. GENET, the mastermind behind the project, led his new bandmates with skill and enthusiasm. He effortlessly commanded the stage, showcasing agility and intensity through crawling, jumping, twirling his microphone around his neck like a lasso and other dynamic and crazy movements. Engaging with the front row, he exchanged smiles (and funny faces), creating a connection with the audience that added to the electric and childlike atmosphere. GENET’s experience of the stage was evident as he showcased his showmanship. The man was having fun and his enjoyment was contagious. Clad in leather pants and a ripped shirt with “hail Satan” written on the back, GENET embodied the rebellious and provocative nature of AUTO-MOD’s music. He also, certainly, made a lasting impression with his unique instrument – a synthesizer guitar, a truly distinctive instrument that we had not encountered before. From his guitar, he produced sounds that mimicked a variety of instruments such as the violin, saxophone, flute, and timpani – adding an additional dimension of originality to his performance. After a short break, AUTO-MOD returned to the stage with an emotional song, “EESTANIA NO GENSOU”, that resonated with the crowd. Then, continued with an upbeat track, “LEGACY”. Their high-spirited performance and infectious energy had the audience fully engaged, singing along and dancing to the music. The concert reached its climax with a series of high-energy songs that left the crowd exhilarated and craving more.
Despite the setback of the canceled AUTO MOD Classic-6 performance which caused a lot of waiting, AUTO-MOD’s return with new members and their powerful live performance showcased their enduring presence in the gothic rock scene. Fans can look forward to experiencing their unique blend of genres, captivating stage presence, and the continued evolution of their sound in the future. AUTO-MOD’s comeback has proven that they are still a force to be reckoned with, and their music continues to resonate with fans, both old and new.
Mandah FRÉNOT
(c) VMJ
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[AUTO-MOD | SETLIST]
01. MIND SUICIDE
02. TOKI NO SOURETSU (時の葬列)
03. FRIEND
04. DEAD CLUB LOVER
05. OUT OF THE DARKNESS
06. IN THE MATRIX
07. DEATHTOPIA
08. THE LAST KINGDOM
09. REQUIEM
–ENCORE–
01. EESTANIA NO GENSOU (イースタニア幻想 )
02. LEGACY
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Photography by Mandah FRÉNOT and Yoann CLOCHON
