Avantgardey – Buzz Runner Official Music Video (アバンギャルディ)

Get ready for a buzz explosion! The official music video by Avantgardey for their single Buzz Runner, is finally out – and it doesn’t disappoint.  As chaotic and visually stimulating as you might expect.  Although there is no cohesive story to the video, I would say it is something along these lines.  You might not get what you expect from social media and often people will post things about you that are hurtful and unnecessary.  However, take solace in the fact that you are an extraordinary individual with real inner strength and resilience – not to mention the ability to eat cakes many times your size and deal with the occasion Tyrannosaurus Rex without any problem whatsoever.  Your presence is going to blow up! Well, that’s just my take on it – I think there is plenty of scope for you to make of this what you want to make of this, and there may be something of a cautionary tale embedded in here... somewhere!   As ever for this group, it’s deliriously frenetic and positively joyous – an Avantgardey video always makes my day simply because of its incredible joie-de-vivre.

I'm not entirely sure what Buzz Runner itself means.  It reminds me of Blade Runner, so there could be a connection there, except that here the girls are rushing after the buzz of the online moment, not androids! Answers on a postcard, please!   I think it is about the lengths people go to in order to attract attention on social media. After all, the first line translates as Likes are oxygen, my oxygen.

At the time of writing, this only just premiered on YouTube.  However, fans are already absolutely loving how chaotic, hilarious, and packed with detail the new video is, with many saying there is they are going to have to watch it numerous times in order to take everything in.  The early viewers also praised the incredibly elaborate visuals and the unique, quirky personalities of each member.  There are several memorable moments that they have pointed out - Nona's dash, Miyuu's "killer eye-beam," Sei-chan's adorable opening, Pani's sky bowl, the water backflip, and the unexpected lion (not to mention the T-Rex!).  So, you could say that the reaction is very positive!

The track itself was choreographed by akane, the leader and creative force behind Avantgardey, who also contributed to the music and lyrics.   If you like Avantgardey, then the video will not disappoint.  If you are new to this Japanese sensation, then… where have you been?

Avantgardey go to the Seaside

It’s great to see Avantgardey outside of a studio and beside the seaside (beside the sea!). Here they are dancing to “The Day the Seagull Soared”. A 1978 hit by Machiko Watanabe, the song uses the image of a seagull taking flight as a metaphor for emotional freedom - breaking away from heartbreak, self-doubt, or constraints to move forward with dignity and quiet strength.  That would explain the  bird-like flapping that the dancers are making as they move along the beach. Hopefully they will reproduce this dance routine when they go on their six city tour in Japan, starting in Komatsu City  in May and ending in Fukuoka International Congress Centre on 4 July.

The song is an enduring favorite in Japan. Its popularity comes from a combination of factors: Watanabe’s clear, expressive vocals; a memorable, soaring melody that builds emotional release; and lyrics that resonated strongly with late-1970s Japan, particularly with listeners drawn to themes of independence and resilience. Over time, it has become a nostalgic classic, frequently revisited in TV shows, covers, and reinterpretations - making it especially effective when contrasted with modern, avant-garde performances like Avantgardey’s.

If you don’t know who they are, Avantgardey is a Japanese dance group known for their avant-garde choreography, uniform school-style costumes, deadpan expressions, and surreal, highly synchronised performances that blend humour with precision.

Watch their latest (fantastic) video below.