Music Corner Week 118: GLIM SPANKY

GLIM SPANKY is a rock unit consisting of Remi Matsuo (Vocalist/Guitarist) and Hiroki Kamemoto (Guitarist); Remi began the group in 2007 after debuting at a school festival, Hiroki joined the band later and stayed to form the current unit. They made their major debut in 2014 with Universal Music under their Virginia record label with the mini album Shousou. GLIM SPANKY’s unique sound that was influenced by 60s and 70s rock and blues garnished much attention, pushing them into the spotlight. Their covers of Adele’s “Rolling Deep” and Janis Joplin’s “MOVE OVER” specifically received much attention due to Remi’s unique and husky vocal style. GLIM SPANKY’s style not only brought in Japanese listeners but has garnished fans throughout the world. Remi’s vocals and their western style rock influence with Japanese lyrics draw in listeners of all ages, making them a stand out rock unit in this age.

GLIM SPANKY first caught my ear with their album Walking on Fire that released in 2020; “By Myself Again” and “Story ni Saki ni” stood out being slower tracks and hearing Remi’s smokey vocals with minimal compositions made me fall in love - the perfect blend of rock and vocal. “Shousou”, “Homeroyo”, “Odorini Ikouze”, and “Ikari wo Kure yo” have a heavier composition involved and a more aggressive feel, especially with Remi’s vocals making it truly memorable. When you hear songs such as “Love is There”, “In the Air”, and “Utsukushii Ibara”, you get a nice serene feel while listening to them - showcasing GLIM SPANKY’s versatility as a rock unit. Their newest track “I Don’t Need Signal (Signal wa Iranai)”, immediately pulled me in with the aggressive opening, heavier composition, catchy chorus, and Remi’s husky vocals.

As GLIM SPANKY has been in the music industry for some time, they have aquired an extensive discography with seven studio albums: Sunrise Journey (2015); Next One (2016); I Stand Alone (2017); Bizarre Carnival (2017), Looking for the Magic (2018); Walking on Fire (2020); and their latest - Into the Time Hole (2022). They also have eight EPs and twelve singles/digital singles with their latest being “I Don’t Need Signal”. Check out their official website, Twitter, Instagram, and their latest music video “I Don’t Need Signal (Signal wa Iranai)” below!