Mika Bomb - The Fake Fake Sound Of Mikabomb (CD 2001)

In recent times I have become something of a fan of all-girl Oriental rock largely by accident after I investigated Shonen Knife out of curiosity. Having been firmly bitten by that bug, Mika Bomb, an all-female Japanese band formed in London, seemed to fit the bill perfectly and so I endeavoured to investigate further by getting hold of this album. Unfortunately, whilst traces of the Japanese sound can be found in there, this outfit have been affected by the "we’re so cool" attitude that makes London a delight for its inhabitants and a pain in the proverbial for those of us who exist outside that bubble.

Musically the band recalls garage rock with a punky edge. All the songs are short and follow a similar pattern of fast and heavy guitars with catch choruses and the occasional interlude of really excellent vocal harmonies that recall the work of the 5 6 7 8s. The sound is fairly pleasant overall, although by the final track it does all become just a little samey and the album would have benefited from one or two changes of pace. Singer Mika Handa has a decent enough voice but at times she seems determined to rob it off its Japanese character and regresses into a bad impersonation of Sonya Madan. I have nothing against Sonya Madan and her style of singing but when somebody tries to mimic it the effect is more than a little irritating and detracts from the music overall.

I don’t want to be too harsh on this album as it was quite enjoyable overall. Mika Bomb have a good sound in there and I would be keen to hear more of them in order to judge how they have developed as a band. Overall a good slice of garage punk but one that could do with abandoning its ties to "scene" ideals. If Mika Bomb are to return with a new album might I suggest recording it in Japan with Naoko Yamano on producing duties for what could be the ultimate album. As it is this album is fairly recommended but be prepared to grit your teeth at the occasional, and highly unwelcome, attempts at Edina Monsoon diction!