What is Tapeworms’ New Album “Grand Voyage,” Blending Shibuya-kei and French Touch? | Characters Introduce in a Column!

Last Updated on 2025-04-10 by a-indie

About Tapeworms’ Attachment to Japan

Dr.Aria

Finally, I would like to introduce my impressions of Japan, where I am currently staying.

“5) We understand you’re currently staying in Japan. What aspects of Japan do you particularly enjoy? Also, what are your plans during this stay in Japan?
Food and the great varieties of local cuisine are some of the first things that come to mind. Leaning into the variations of wagashi, ramen, curry and kissaten’s menus is a neverending quest ! Goo is a cook, so it’s her speciality. Besides that, the cultural diversity (live music, art performance, etc) and the many communities gathering for every niche genres is inspiring.
Also, fashion is exciting here and it’s a good feeling to be able to wear « extravagant » clothes without feeling judged by people. Last, the sky and the many different sunlight colors throughout the day are like nowhere else.”

Dr.Aria

Punipon, Tapeworms are currently staying in Japan, and they seem to be particularly attracted to Japanese food culture. They describe the diversity of Japanese sweets, ramen, curry, and coffee shop menus as a “never-ending adventure.” Goo, one of the band members, also has a face as a chef, so she may be particularly familiar with food.

Punipon

Japanese food is popular with foreigners! Me, I love ramen! But Aria, can the members of Tapeworms speak Japanese?

Dr.Aria

I don’t know the details, but they may be able to speak a little everyday conversation. They are also attracted to Japan’s cultural diversity, fashion, and the unique changes in light. They especially said that they “can wear flashy clothes without being judged by people” about fashion, and they seem to be enjoying the free atmosphere of Japan.

Punipon

Japan is tolerant of unique fashion. Isn’t France a fashionable country? It’s surprising that someone from there is surprised by Japanese fashion. But, I wasn’t wearing clothes… I wonder if I should wear a cod roe costume😂

Dr.Aria

That’s true too 😅 France is famous as a fashionable country, but Paris in particular has an elegant and sophisticated fashion that is mainstream, and sometimes it has a conservative side. On the other hand, in Japan, especially in Harajuku and Shibuya in Tokyo, there is a culture of enjoying fashion that is not bound by stereotypes. Tapeworms may be attracted to that kind of freedom.

Summary of Tapeworms

Punipon

Me, I knew about Tapeworms for the first time today, but it was an interesting band! It’s amazing that they came to Japan from France and are making music!

Dr.Aria

That’s right. Their latest album “Grand Voyage” is a work that expresses their journey, and the CD will be released in Japan only on April 11, 2025.

Punipon

Aria, please let me listen to Tapeworms’ music next time!

Dr.Aria

Of course! The new album is likely to be a work that bridges French and Japanese culture, so I think it will be an interesting experience. It’s really wonderful how different cultures merge through music.

Punipon

That’s right! How many songs are on the album?

Dr.Aria

“Grand Voyage” contains a total of 14 songs. In particular, the Japan-only CD includes two additional bonus tracks, “Point Of View” and “Daily Escape.”

Punipon

Only in Japan! It has a special feel! I’m going to listen to Tapeworms’ songs a lot from now on 🎶 If I do, it might become an “earworm” and I won’t be able to get their songs out of my head!

Summary of Tapeworms

“Grand Voyage”

Release: April 11, 2025
Songs:
1. ~Opening
2. Window Seat
3. IRL
4. Safe And Sound
5. Pitch Pop
6. Missed Connection
7. Junk Jumble
8. Playground
9. That Place In Time
10. Puzzle
11. Love And Pop
12. Count★Down (Star)
13. Point Of View (CD Limited Bonus Track)
14. Daily Escape (CD Limited Bonus Track)
See on Amazon⏩️

Japan Tour Show

Tapeworms “Grand Voyage” Release Party
Thursday, April 24, 2025
OPEN / START 6:30 PM
ADV ¥2500 / DOOR ¥3000

Live
Tapeworms（from France）
yuzuha

DJ
alien.melissa
アマイワナ(Amaiwana)
Caleb Woodward

Ticket Reservation
https://forms.gle/tBYNffeqZ4Hy2dFp7

Artist information:
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Writer: Tomohiro Yabe (yabori)

Editor-in-chief of BELONG Media/A-indie. From 2010, he wrote the music blog “Timeless Masterpiece”, which became the predecessor of BELONG.

After writing for “only in dreams” hosted by Masafumi Goto, vocalist of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, he majored in music business at a music vocational school.

He has written music articles in Japan and overseas for over 10 years.

In the past, he was in charge of garage rock, psychedelic rock, and Japanese indie rock at a music CD rental shop with over 100,000 album titles.

Utilizing these experiences, he has published 26 issues of the music magazine “BELONG Magazine” with the theme of “roots rock”.

Currently, he writes articles based on SEO measures learned at a web production company. His hobby is watching “Kaiun! Nandemo Kanteidan”.

Articles written so far are here
Twitter: @boriboriyabori