In 2004 as fate would have it, Ryan Keane and R.A Sanchez met at a Mice Parade show in Phoenix, AZ. They shared a love for similar sounds and artists, such as Muslimgauze, Jan Jelinek and Remote Viewer and within a few months they began writing songs together under the moniker, Tokyo Bloodworm. In December, 2004 they played their first show as a duo, fighting back the hoards of anxious teens.

Wanting to improve their live shows they collected three more members, Mark Leach on MPC and guitar, Rob Burnette on turntables and a vocalist, Stephanie Flood. From the songs that were performed during that time, eleven were chosen for their first album, an eponymous and self-released debut that mapped the beginnings of something special.

With a fresh new line-up in late 2006, they began work on their second album, Palestine, which is slated for release this spring on the gorgeous Moteer label. Palestine features a slew of new talent, including David Marin and Phillip Shiozaki on guitar, Amy Hudson’s vocals, Maureen Choi on violin, and William Ryan Fritch on various stringed instruments. The concept behind Palestine was to drop all electronic or synthetic sounds, and rely on only using original recordings as the source material.

Boomkat describes Tokyo Bloodworm as, “combining intricate sound treatments with elements of dense, reduced shoegaze, lilting pop and breathless drones with an exquisite attention to detail”. Smallfish Records had this to say, “warm, fuzzy, low-key electronic wonderfulness that takes its organic influences and wears them on its sleeve. Mellow structures and sounds combine with slightly crispy rhythmic overtones and some very thoughtful and delicate vocal work.”

In early 2007, Ryan and R.A teamed up with midwestern super-duo Brael for a collaboration album, dubbed Living Language. The album was released by Moteer in 2008, receiving some kind praise. At this point, Tokyo Bloodworm is getting ready to release their epic Palestine (Moteer) in May 2011.

The featured tracks ‘the Garden Shined Our Eyes Away’ and ‘People Do It to Each Other’ will be available on the upcoming Palestine (Moteer).