TsuShiMaMiRe Rocks the Big Easy
TsuShiMaMiRe - All photos by Goody James
Since forming in Chiba, Japan, back in 1999, TsuShiMaMiRe have released more than a dozen studio albums, toured the world, and developed a sound that is entirely their own. While their music is generally classified as “art punk,” the band seamlessly blends influences ranging from punk rock, funk, hip-hop, and Japanese pop to create songs that are as catchy as they are chaotic.
In August, TsuShiMaMiRe released “Ice Cream Punk,” a single that embodies the more melodic and somber side of their sonic spectrum. The band then embarked on their North American Ice Cream Punk Tour from August 21 to September 20, playing 23 dates across the United States and Canada.
Bullshit Machine - All photos by Goody James
One of the last stops of the North American Ice Cream Punk Tour was in New Orleans, at a venue called Gasa Gasa: an upgraded dive bar with cheap drinks, good sound, and a friendly, DIY-adjacent fan base. Local noise punks Bullshit Machine opened the show with driving basslines, mangled guitar leads, and hair-raising vocals. The crowd’s enthusiastic response was proof enough that they are a local favorite. There are only a handful of live recordings on Bullshit Machine’s Bandcamp page, but hopefully they’ll release a studio album in the future.
Bullshit Machine - All photos by Goody James
TsuShiMaMiRe stepped onto the stage one at a time as “Marie Douceur Marie Colère,” by Marie Laforêt blasted over the sound system. The crowd clapped in unison as each member took a bow and picked up their instrument. As soon as introductions were over, the band ripped into “GIRAGIRA HIKARU,” another 2025 track that exemplifies the tapestry of styles they can weave into a single song.
The second song of their set, “Show You My Soy Sauce,” showcased the band’s musicianship. Bassist Yayoi Tsushima played a funky bassline, occasionally slapping in a way that would make Les Claypool and Larry Graham proud. Guitarist and vocalist Mari Kono sang haunting vocal melodies drenched in psychedelic echo and rapped verses faster than most modern hip hop artists. To top it off, the song’s chorus is infectious and easy to sing along to.
TsuShiMaMiRe - All photos by Goody James
TsuShiMaMiRe’s original drummer, Mizue Masuda, parted ways with the group in 2017. Maiko Takagi then played drums with the band until 2024. Asami Suzuki has been holding down the throne since the beginning of this year, and she is a perfect fit. Her feel is rock solid, and she leads the band through the twists and turns of each song as if she has been playing with them since the beginning.
One can’t help but notice the similarities and differences between crowds when going to shows in different cities. This crowd was friendly, welcoming, and overall, wholesome. Of course, New Orleans is a great city for live music, if not the best. Apparently, the members of TsuShiMaMiRe share the same sentiment. “Today we went to Cafe Du Monde, had beignets and café au lait, went to sleep, then had gumbo,” Kono recounted in between songs. “New Orleans Power!”
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