Back With a Vengeance: Nemophila “Groundbreakers of Destiny (G.O.D.)”
Song of the week
I love this band. They constantly surprise us. It was a surprise when they first appeared on the scene in 2019 because they all had day jobs in other bands. Their first music video, posted early in the pandemic, looked like a one-time thing. Then they did it again…and again…and again. Until we realized they were serious.
Their challenge was heightened because they formed just before COVID hit. They could not perform live and had to do almost all of their recordings remotely, in isolation. They are all such great musicians that they were able to make this work.
Nemophila changes it up from song to song, never staying in one place. Is that a recipe for commercial success? Maybe not. Plenty of bands have done well for themselves by doubling down on whatever formula got them their first hit. Then they rewarm it repeatedly, to the point of absurdity (yes, Eagles, I’m looking at you).
Post-pandemic, Nemophila started to bust out, releasing a lot of new songs and doing some international touring. Here is something I posted announcing their U.S. tour in January, 2023. If you have not heard them yet, the embedded link takes you to their trailer for that tour.
Nemophila appeared to be well on their way. Then, early this year, they were forced to change things up in a bigger way. Their star guitarist, Saki, left the band. She had also been their de facto band leader, so it seemed quite possible they would fold the tent and move on.
They had built a sound around twin guitar leads, with Saki playing off their other virtuoso guitarist, Hazuki. The two of them weaved some amazing sonic tapestries together. Here is a ballad they co-wrote, featuring a gorgeous, emotional duet between the two of them:
The band could have folded, but they are moving forward as a four-piece. Serious fans already know Hazuki is a monster talent, but she had previously been content to play supporting roles. Her previous partnerships, with Narumi in Disqualia, Lisa-X, and Saki, always had her playing the second lead guitar. Now, she will have to carry the band on her own. So far, it looks like she’s up to the challenge.
“Your pleasure is someone else’s sacrifice
That’s how crazy this world is
But it will choke you one day.”
This song is a scream of defiance:
Do they believe in God? Beats me.
Yep, Hazuki seems well able to carry it!