Maybe Junko is the demure face of extreme noise, in whose male dominated scene she is pretty unique. Delivered stock still, her screaming vocal style is a nuanced version of all holy hell; piercing, controlled alien shrieks emanate from deep within her scarcely moving throat; not really the result of any kind of physical exertion, it feels more like the exertion of a supreme emotional will.

Jojo Hiroshige is a founding member of the great (est?) Japanese Noise band Hijokaidan, of which Junko is also a member. Starting out in the late 70’s they helped define a sound of crushing intensity, Aktionist influenced physical spectacle and destructive onstage ritual. Jojo has also collaborated widely outside of Hijoakidan, in duo’s with Junko, and with a host of artists on his own legendary Alchemy imprint.

As a drummer with Fushitsusha, Kosokuya, High Rise, Che-SHIZU, Maher Shalal Hash Baz, and a host of others, Ikuro Takahashi has contributed to some of the great music to be borne of collective sweat in Japan over the last 20 years.