DYGL - “Under My Skin"

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…Death Cab For Cutie, The Strokes, TENDOUJI

Japanese indie rock band DYGL have grown into relatively quiet, more reflective songwriters on recent full-length Thirst. By peeling back an existing punk layer, DYGL surprisingly turn their sound into what closest resembles comfortable emo/indie rock. It’s a  decent jump from their three prior full-lengths and a twist that enhances DYGL’s music instead of taking away from their once riff-focused efforts. Hints of shoegaze and folk rock even find their way onto songs like “I Wish I Could Feel” and single “Under My Skin”, songs that are more about vulnerability than the grimy rock and roll that defined DYGL’s roots. (Kevin McStravick)

2019 Review: DYGL are a young band from Tokyo, but their sound feels like it comes out of NYC in late 70s, infusing punk, rock and pop into a jangly, warbly stream of hard-hitting vocal & guitar riffs. Their 2017 debut Say Goodbye to Memory Dan actually covers even more ground than that, a breadth that’s appreciated given DYGL’s strong commitment to their influences.