All art forms share a certain mix of improvisation and skill. You can compose a sonnet, a piece of music, a sculpture, architecture, or whatever with careful planning, but to get there and to fully execute the project, one must be able to adapt in the face of unforeseen challenges. Some art is entirely dependent on improvisation, like, well, improv theatre, jazz, jam bands, and martial arts. These are collaborative arts with each participant responding to the other, but skill is still needed for the collaboration to work well. There is a Zen to it. As a long time improv comedian and former martial arts practitioner and Zen practitioner, this combination of well practiced skill and applying that skill to unpredictable situations appeals to me. Except for jam bands, I can’t get behind jam bands.
Fortunately, today’s premiere is far more cool and composed than your average jam band. Seoi Nage takes their name from a Judo throw, and their shared love of martial arts and the 1970’s vibe that accompanied martial arts cinema produces an instrumental soundtrack to retro-radness. If you want a tune to film a martial arts montage to, or a car chase, or a stroll through scenic, technicolor vistas, Seoi Nage are your champions. Check out their funk-infused composition and music video for “Caine vs Shaolin Bounty Hunter” below!
Locking immediately into a groovy pocket, Seoi Nage transport you to a world of grainy film, Goblin-inspired progressions, and cinematic flair. The German trio blend psychedelic brushstrokes through shuffling drums, groovy bass, tasty organ and synth stabs and pads, trippy guitars, and a taishōgoto, a kind of Japanese stringed, harp-like instrument. The combination sets the stage for an epic battle. One can imagine windswept grasses as two warriors prepare to square off Sammo Hung-style, all glory to the winner. Except in this case, we are the winners for getting to hear this impressive soundtrack. It is clear that their martial arts training gave them not only an impressive dexterity, but also a dedication to their craft that results in the perfect replication of a vibe missing from today’s rock and psychedelic landscapes.
“Caine vs Shaolin Bounty Hunter” follows the even punchier (hiya!) lead single “Gongs, Fists, & Cymbals” from Seoi Nage‘s upcoming LP, No Retreat, No Surrender due October 5, 2025 from This Charming Man Records. While the press suggests Seoi Nage for fans of Yin Yin, Khraungbin, GOAT, and Altin Gün, I would also add Zombi, Goblin, Ennio Morricone, and Fabio Frizzi to the mix. Seoi Nage cite Italian giallo cinema as an influence, and as a big fan of ’70s Italian and Hong Kong movies, I can attest to the authenticity of these sounds. No Retreat, No Surrender will be a must listen for me, and even if you are listening to this music while doing chores instead of in the dramatic escapades of a muscle car race through the Apennines, you will still feel way cool about it.
Follow Seoi Nage‘s Instagram and Bandcamp accounts for more, and keep an eye out for No Retreat, No Surrender in October!
