For a few years, my sister lived in Costa Mesa, California, in the heart of Orange County and just next door to Newport Beach. I had never been to California before, so having a place to stay while visiting there was a dream come true. I loved it there: the sun, the surf, the style of life--I ate it up. The only thing that never really appealed to me was the Orange County music scene. I'm an indie pop guy at heart, so the testosterone-fueled garage rock skater-punk stuff just didn't do it for me.

That's why I find it kind of odd that I'm liking Japanese Motors so much. The band is from Costa Mesa, and has embraced the laid-back, sun-kissed lifestyle and infused it into their power pop music. There's definitely no denying these guys are California through and through, which may be why they're so refreshing. No pretense, no posturing, no trying to be something they're not. Their self-titled debut album is out now.

The band will be in Toronto October 21st for a free show at the Horseshoe with White Lies. They'll make their way south for a gig at NY's Bowery Ballroom on the 24th, then head over to Philly for a show the next night at North Star. More days are available at the band's Myspace page (see link below).

MP3: Japanese Motors "Spendin' Days"
Video: Japanese Motors "Single Fins & Safety Pins"
Myspace: Japanese Motors