HYPER GAL take sonic adventures to new heights with new album ‘After Image’ ahead of UK/EU tour

News

14 Oct

HYPER GAL, the noise-pop duo from Osaka, have dropped their latest full-length album After Image via SKiN GRAFT Records, marking a new chapter in their sonic evolution. Known for their unique blend of blast beat rhythms, ethereal vocals, and gritty noise loops, the band continues to push boundaries with this highly anticipated release. The album’s arrival is sure to resonate with fans of avant-garde soundscapes and experimental pop.

After Image stays true to HYPER GAL's stripped-down, minimalist aesthetic, while expanding into bolder, more immersive territory. Vocalist Koharu Ishida and drummer Kurumi Kadoya balance delicate bubblegum pop vocals with ferocious instrumental textures, creating an intense yet accessible contrast. Tracks like “RUSH” and “FLICKER” see the band flex their creative muscles, weaving intricate drum patterns with airy melodies, while songs such as “The Luncheon on the Grass” and “OVER FUSSY” layer noise with atmospheric, dreamlike flourishes.

Released in an exclusive limited edition, the After Image LP comes pressed on clear GHOST-coloured vinyl, paired with striking artwork and a double-sided poster. There’s also a deluxe CD version housed in a six-panel trifold jacket, complete with a mystery message, adding a touch of intrigue to the physical package.

The album has been well-received by fans, lauded for its bold mix of no wave and pop sensibilities. Each track on After Image feels like a new experiment in deconstruction, with Ishida’s vocals floating delicately over Kadoya’s relentless drumming. Their sound, although minimalist, is anything but simple—built on layers of texture that offer something new with every listen.

Supporting After Image, HYPER GAL are embarking on an extensive European tour, bringing their explosive live energy to new audiences across the continent. Starting with a packed release show at Bears in Osaka, the duo kicked off their tour in Berlin alongside fellow noise-punk band Cuntroaches, setting the tone for a whirlwind of performances in cities like Prague, Hamburg, and Rotterdam. Fans in the UK are especially in for a treat, with gigs lined up at iconic venues like Cardiff’s The Moon and The Shacklewell Arms in London. The band will also hit major festivals such as Left of the Dial in Rotterdam and Le Guess Who? in Utrecht.

For those lucky enough to catch them live, the tour promises to showcase HYPER GAL at their most raw and uncompromising. Their shows have been described as visceral experiences, where Kadoya’s relentless drumming pairs with Ishida’s enigmatic stage presence to create an atmosphere that is as hypnotic as it is intense.

As HYPER GAL continues their European trek, After Image stands as both a testament to their artistic vision and a challenge to their genre’s limitations. This isn’t just another noise-pop album—it’s a statement, an invitation to lose yourself in sound, where the rules don’t apply, and anything is possible.

Stream After Image, and watch the video for “OOPARTS”: