This rock three piece, originally from Fukushima, knows how to be heavy but not hard. They have a sound that is instantly familiar, like Fishmans with the rock dialed up a couple notches. It is also easy to see the influence of one of their stated inspirations, Yura Yura Teikoku, in the stripped down psychedelia they are obviously aiming for.

The songs seemed to be sung with earnest emotion, and they have all the hallmarks of a band that really cares about what they do. They were passionate without being melodramatic, and their music was technically proficient without seeming stale.

Truth be told, there isn’t too much Paionia did that hasn’t been done before. But given a little more time and a little more experience, they could prove to be the kind of rock band Japan needs, one that performs from the heart.