Strain Front Cover

Strain

Erika

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Track List

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"Strain" - The Beginning of a Journey
"Strain" is the debut single released on May 17, 2015, by Erika, the voice and guitar of the two-piece band IROMIZ, during her solo era. For Erika at the time, this release marked the very first step on the path that would eventually lead to IROMIZ.

The title track, "Strain," arranged and performed by the alternative rock band Noisemansion, unfolds with a tension-filled soundscape where roaring distortion and stillness collide. Within its heavy ensemble lies a core of fragile emotion, resonating deeply with Erika's vocals from that period.

The companion song, "Headphones and Me," was recorded by Erika alone in her room with just an acoustic guitar. Its quietly resonating guitar tones and lyrics-written like entries in a personal diary-gently reflect her inner world, offering listeners a raw and intimate glimpse into her heart.

Now, ten years later, both "Strain" and "Headphones and Me"-full of unrefined youth and emotional vulnerability-continue to be treasured pieces in IROMIZ's live performances.
This limited-time re-release invites you to experience the cries of a searching twenty-something, and the moment when the past connects with the present.

Artist Profile

  • Erika

    Originally from Miyazaki Prefecture / Currently based in Fukuoka, Japan 2001: Began performing street live shows at Miyazaki Station. 2002: Started street performances at Kokura Station. 2003: Started performing live at music venues, including solo acoustic sets on guitar and piano, as well as in acoustic units. 2012: Became the vocalist and electric guitarist of a three-piece rock band, mainly performing in Kitakyushu (active through 2013 and again in 2016). 2014: Resumed solo acoustic performances. May 2015: Released first single as Erika, titled 'Strain'. 2016: Shifted to a new live style incorporating effects pedals with acoustic guitar, and began writing songs that integrated poetry reading. September 2019: Released first mini-album 'Gunjo-iro to Petrichor' as Erika. Around the same time, launched a two-piece rock band with drummer Koji Ohta under the name 'Erika & Ohta fuckin' Koji', featuring voice & acoustic guitar with drums. March 2021: Released the mini-album 'Futari Band' as Erika & Ohta fuckin' Koji. 2023: Renamed the band to IROMIZ. 2024: Released the first mini-album 'Circle' under the name IROMIZ, followed by a solo headline show at HONZIN KOKURA. IROMIZ continues to perform as a two-piece rock band, staying active in the live house scene of Kitakyushu.

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