Kero Kero Bonito

Kero Kero Bonito (KKB) is a British indie pop band known for their eclectic blend of electropop, synthpop, J-pop, dance, and experimental electronic music, often featuring playful, bilingual (English/Japanese) lyrics.Formed in London in 2011 by producers Gus Lobban (aka 'Gus') and Jamie Bulled (aka 'Jamie'), Kero Kero Bonito gained prominence with the addition of Japanese-British vocalist Sarah Midori Perry (aka 'Sarah') in 2013. They rose from online cult status through early EPs and mixtapes to critical acclaim with their debut album 'Bonito Generation' (2016), known for its bright, hyperpop-influenced sound. Their sound evolved significantly on the darker, more introspective albums 'Time 'n' Place' (2018) and 'Civilisation I & II' EPs (2019-2021), incorporating elements of noise rock, shoegaze, and lo-fi. They remain active, touring internationally and releasing new music like the album 'Civilisation' (2021).
  • The band's name, "Kero Kero Bonito," is a playful onomatopoeia. "Kero kero" mimics the sound of a frog's croak in Japanese, while "bonito" refers to a type of fish, creating a whimsical, nonsensical phrase reflecting their quirky aesthetic.
  • Vocalist Sarah Midori Perry was discovered by Gus and Jamie after they heard her singing Japanese covers on YouTube. Her unique vocal style, often deadpan yet melodic, and her bilingual lyrics became a defining characteristic of KKB's early sound.
  • KKB's early work, like the mixtape 'Intro Bonito' (2014), gained significant traction online, particularly on platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube, establishing them as darlings of the internet music scene before achieving broader recognition.
  • Their sophomore album, 'Time 'n' Place' (2018), marked a dramatic sonic shift away from pure bubblegum pop towards grittier sounds like noise rock and shoegaze, influenced by personal experiences and a desire for artistic growth, surprising many fans but earning critical praise.
  • The band maintains a distinctive visual identity through DIY music videos and artwork, often created by Gus Lobban, featuring colorful, glitchy, and surreal elements that complement their music.