TsuShiMaMiRe: Bring back art-punk
Written by Leila Miranda | July 16 2026
Photos by Leila Miranda
At first glance, what seemed like an elegant, picturesque band turned out to be a fiercely driven Japanese trio. Bouncy, punchy bass lines mixed with fun, eccentric lyrics, it’s no question why TsuShiMaMiRe dominated the Japanese art-punk scene in the mid-to-late 2000's, becoming a staple of the international punk scene.
This vibrant and charming trio, yet again, visited Austin since their last performance in 2015’s SXSW. The trio left a lasting impression, reflected in a steady flow of new U.S. followers. Following their unforgettable performance, they released the album MIZUMONO ( バンドは水物).
Introducing themselves with “Oversized American Dreams,” a single released earlier this year and melodically influenced by Rage Against The Machine. The band has been credited as sonically influential in past TsuShiMaMiRe interviews, along with Blankey Jet City, Jun Togawa and The Velvet Underground. Showcasing a few selects off the album during their show in Austin's 29th Street Ballroom. The crowd simply could not get enough of “24030” (“番地に回覧板を回せ”), with its catchy and groovy surf-rock riff that immediately catches attention, making it impossible to stand still.
As the trio progressed down their set list, they performed the remarkable “Noumiso/Brain Shortcake” (“脳みそショートケーキ”), a song that seemingly became popular overnight, serving as one of their breakout hits. Per their style, its high energy and fast paced lyrics put this song on the fast track. Proving themselves as a multifaceted band from their quirky, eccentric lyrics to their heavy, driven and intentional bass lines, they continued with the track, “SHOW YOU MY SOY SAUCE.” Breaking down mid song to a thrashing heap of concentrated lyrics starting from the verse…
“The unmistakable taste of being left sloppy and abandoned / だらだらして置いてけぼりの裏切らない味
kiss the mouth of the dry bottle / 干からびた瓶の口元にキッス”
Before picking up the pace, moving into the hook in unison shouting ...
“Always soy sauce Deviant soy sauce / いつだってソイソース 逸脱したソイソー”
TsuShiMaMiRe’s unforgettable stage presence is what really brings it all together. A band that presents themselves as a perfectly elegant trio, loudly pushing the boundaries of what art-punk is capable of. Their fierce, fast-paced, riot girl attitude and chaotic bass lines are like no other. Yet, time and time again, they continuously prove there is no limit to what they’re capable of.
Photos by Leila Miranda
