SAICOBAB

Saicobab centers on the elusive frontwoman Yoshimio, also recognized as Yoshimi P-We, who spent years with the Boredoms and established OOIOO herself. The ensemble merges Indian and Japanese roots alongside experimental rock and electronic elements, producing music that balances intricate detail with raw drive through irregular, shifting rhythms and vocals that glide, wail, and disperse. They incorporate double bass, sitar, and riq, a Middle Eastern tambourine, while capturing performances live before layering electronic treatments afterward. In the late '90s sitar player Yoshida Daikiti, trained by Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan, launched Psycho Baba featuring tabla player Ahkio alongside drummer Suttgun. Once the Boredoms offered backing, Yoshimi and drummer ATR entered the lineup and appeared on the 2001 release On the Roof of Kedar Lodge. Over time the project shifted names from Saicobaba to Saicobab and recorded a version of "Death Valley 69" for the Sonic Youth tribute Confuse Yr Idols. By 2017 the roster included Yoshimio, Daikiti, bassist Akita Goldman from Soil & "Pimp" Sessions, and percussionist Moyotuki "Hama" Hamamoto. Their album Sab Se Purani Bab first came out via Japan's Shochy label in June 2017 before Thrill Jockey handled its October edition.