Chairlift live in Tokyo


New York-based duo Chairlift, who blend synth sounds and “intricate pop dreamscapes” head to Tokyo for a couple of live shows in October.

First, with an intimate show at Shibuya’s Under Deer Lounge and then for a Friday night (October 12) DJ set which will include re-workings of their own tracks and, most intriguingly, live vocals.

Chairlift may first have come to your attention through an iPod ad which featured their hit Bruises but, though they have since lost a member, the now-duo are proving they were certainly not a one-hit-wonders; garnering much acclaim as they are for new album, Something.

Founding member Aaron Pfenning has gone onto new project, Rewards, but vocalist Caroline Polachek and multi-instrumentalist Patrick Wimberly have developed a sound which, while retaining its core influences – some say “untapped corners of corners of 80s pop” – is something that sounds fresh, and bold.

The band are no strangers to Japan, despite this being their first live show here; Polachek spent time as a child here in Tokyo and we wonder if she will add this karaoke friendly Japanese version of I Belong in Your Arms to the set list?

Support comes from ESP and ‘avant-garde experimental music group’, Group A.


Where: Under Deer Lounge, Shibuya (about ten minutes walk from Shibuya station, towards Yoyogi park and Harajuku)

When: Wednesday, October 10

How Much: ¥3,500 (in advance) or ¥4,000 on the door.


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