seven four records.

On a Friday evening in Tokyo, the four members of LITE are gathered around the common room table of their rehearsal studio, having just finished a long practice session. They look slightly exhausted, but cheerful, although for guitarist Nobuyuki it seems that practice wasn’t the only reason why he was tired.

“I went out fishing last night, which meant waking up at about 1am,” he explains, shaking his head. “So I’ll soon almost have been awake for 24 hours.” With a full shift at his day job, plus three gigs in the next three days (including providing the entertainment at a wedding party), it’s a small glimpse into the idea of how hardworking the band is.

Nocturnal activity and wedding parties aside, the band have been practicing hard in the lead up to the release party shows in Tokyo for their new EP, Turns Red. The three track EP brings with it the familiar instrumental math rock vibe of previous releases – interesting but never overly complex, ambience as well as rocking riffs – but more also a melodic and dynamic shift.

The accompanying EP packaging was produced by Thailand’s B.O.R.E.D Design, who has also contributed t-shirts and a mesmerizing video clip for lead single, The Sun Sank.

“They contacted us and said that they’d really like to work with us. So of course we said yes!” says bassist Jun. “We had video of us playing our instruments filmed and sent to them, which was then used to created the video. We think it looks awesome.”

The video is a visual feast of light, particles and soundwaves that really matches the feel of the new song; a slightly robotic, futuristic sound.

The Sun Sank signals a shift into a new realm for their music – synthesizer. LITE’s other guitarist, Kozo, has picked up the job of being behind the new instrument, and even incorporates a sequencer into their live show.

“We always want to challenge ourselves and make better music,” says Nobuyuki. “Whether that means making more complex songs, songs with more defined melody, or adding new instruments in, we always want to try and improve on what we’ve done in the past. I might even try singing in the future!”

Just like their music, the songwriting process is also fairly organic. ‘”Most of our songs are born out of jam sessions, so the writing process is never really that defined. We jam, everyone adds their own spin on things, and that’s how our songs are created.”

That creative process has been around even since the formative days of LITE, having met in school and forming as a group in 2003. After recording a few demos, they released their first, self-titled mini-album in 2005. Extensive Japanese touring led to their first full length, Filmlets, being released in 2006, and the exposure soon brought with it a deal with Ireland’s Transduction Records.

The signing has increased the band’s profile, even touring Europe (in support of 2008’s release, Phantasia) and the USA, which has brought both high and low points for the group.

Jun fondly recalls a show in NYC’s famous Mercury Lounge. “It was part of our US tour with Mike Watt and the Missingmen, and the atmosphere was electric, with the most amazing crowd. There was just something about it that made it so special.”

However, earlier stints in Europe proved to be less successful, with their German visit sometimes only yielding clubs attended by a handful of people. “Its hard to enjoy those kind of shows – plus they just can’t cook rice like they do back at home!” laughs Jun.

It seems that their home city of Tokyo isn’t just all about great rice cooking, but also selling out LITE shows. The recent tour with the energetic Adebisi Shank (Ireland) and the incendiary Tera Melos (USA) was a huge success in Japan, culminating in a sold out show (2000 tickets) at Shibuya’s famous Club Quattro.

Asked about whether they’d ever come down to Australia, tired eyes light up. “Sure, we’d love to get out there and play some shows, fulfill all our dreams of Australia,” says drummer Akinori. “Definitely!” adds Nobuyuki, with a smile on his face. “Drinking beer, enjoying the beach, catching a kangaroo…”

Catching kangaroos?

“Yeah! Will that be hard?”

Whilst the last wish might be a bit hopeful, LITE’s enthusiasm and work ethic should see them eventually grace our shores one day. “Keep an eye out for LITE“, Nobuyuki states, “as we’re always looking to bigger and better things. We’re really excited for the year ahead.”

And they have every reason to be. With an Asian tour in early 2010 and a new album on the horizon, the sun is in fact very much rising for this talented bunch of musicians.

“The Sun Sank” EP is available now via iTunes.

Note: Seven Four Records would like to thank Transduction Records and I Want The Moon Records for setting up a time for us to sit down with LITE to have a chat. And of course, many thanks to the lads from LITE themselves, for being so warm and inviting!