Peelander-Z

Peelander-Z enhances its super-crude punk with claims to be from space, an assertion that’s bolstered by ridiculous, color-coded alien costumes. The members’ names—Peelander-Yellow, Peelander-Green, and Peelander-Red (former member Peelander-Blue apparently had to return to the Peelander Planet to assume his royal duties in 2008)—speak to the theatrical underpinnings of the band’s musical aesthetic, but it’s hard to tell if everyone is actually in on the joke. The New York-based Japanese comic-punk band is touring in support of the new Space Vacation, but the songs are nearly inconsequential at live shows, where audience participation games like karaoke competitions, “human bowling,” and even piggyback rides tend to take precedence.

Updated 04/19/2012