Like most of the insight Bobble Tiki has collected over the course of his life, Bobble Tiki’s knowledge of Japan comes mainly from cartoons. Just like Tom and Jerry taught Bobble Tiki about difficult relationships, the Simpsons taught Bobble Tiki about loving parenting, and the Family Guy taught Bobble Tiki that a plot isn’t always necessary; Bobble Tiki has gained a wealth of understanding about Japan through Japanimation. As a venerable expert, Bobble Tiki can proclaim with certainty that Peelander-Z, who will play Hell’s Kitchen on Wednesday, Oct. 10, seem like typical Japanese.
Bobble Tiki knows a lot about the Japanese thanks to Japanimation. For instance, Japanese women typically have enormous breasts and wear a look of total surprise on their faces. Also, tiny glints of light radiate from the eyes of Japanese people during close ups. Furthermore, Japanese often have very spiky hair and super powers.
Peelander Blue, Peelander Yellow, and Peelander Red seem to confirm Bobble Tiki’s cartoonish conceptions. Based out of New York, the three brightly colored members of Peelander-Z — who claim to have found their way to earth from the Z area of Planet Peelander — have all the qualities Bobble Tiki has become familiar with through Japanimation — and they play punk rock to boot. Together, they fancy themselves a “Japanese Action Comic Punk Band.”
So, what does that mean?
Well, during a nearly 10-year career since their arrival on earth in 1998, Peelander-Z has released four full length albums — mainly with Eat Rice Records. The music is typical punk, albeit overflowing with goof and frivolity. What makes Peelander-Z a “Japanese Action Comic Punk Band” is the full package. Whether you’re there for the music or not — seeing Peelander-Z is a spectacle.
It all starts with the costumes. Peelander-Z hits the stage like three Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers — one red, one blue, and one yellow. The costumes are tight, like Spandex, and don’t leave much to the imagination. Maybe you’re into that sort of thing? Sometimes the band wears wigs or helmets or Native American headdresses. They may wear capes. Bobble Tiki can’t remember.
Along with their set of two-minute punk songs, all of them shouted into the microphone with heavy Japanese accents, and all of them about things like steak, dancing, tigers, and bad chili burgers, Peelander-Z’s goal is crowd participation. A typical Peelander-Z show features human bowling, some kung fu, a splash of wrestling, and some snapshot poses for your mama. This, Bobble Tiki believes, is where the action gets added to the “Japanese Action Punk.”
Bottom line: Peelander-Z is entertaining. Take Bobble Tiki’s word for it.
And Peelander-Z has fun. Take their word for it:
“In the morning, when we open the door of our van, there were soooo many ants inside!! No way!! Scary! Help!! The show at Exit In in Nashville, TN. Was it really Monday night? I don’t think so! It was like weekend party in that venue!! Fun night! Mr.PA said “Are you guys using a ladder for the show?” Yes, we are!!! He said “Be careful..” OK Mr.PA!! Thanks!! But, only P-Red will jump from the top of the ladder, so. I will be OK!!” wrote Peelander Blue on MySpace of a show the band played in late September.
“Fever!! Fever!! Saturday night fever in Indianapolis! Punk Rock Night at Melody Inn was packed!! Thanks for coming everybody!! You guys drunk too much!! Again, we had a new official Peelander tonight in the house!! Her name is Peelander-Spring Roll!! Sounds tasty!!” he writes of another.
Peelander-Z will be at Hell’s Kitchen on Wednesday, Oct. 10, as part of a tour pumping their first ever DVD, simply titled Peelander is Fun.
That’s what Bobble Tiki has been trying to say all along.
The DVD isn’t yet available in stores, but you can order now online. Bobble Tiki can’t wait to get his Bobble mitts on one hour of live Peelander footage, three Peelander music videos, and more than 30 minutes of Peelander extras.
Plus, Bobble Tiki can finally expand his understanding of the Japanese past cartoons.
It’s a win, win.
As you may have guessed, Bobble Tiki doesn’t give a crap what you do this week because Bobble Tiki doesn’t even know you. That’s been Bobble Tiki’s line for as long as he can remember, and he sees no sense in changing it now. Don’t feel dissed. At least Bobble Tiki’s available for breakfast, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday on Spew.
[Hell’s Kitchen, with Neutralboy, The Blackout Kings, Killola, Wednesday, Oct. 10, 9 p.m., $6, 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]