I actually listen to a fairly sizeable chunk of non-anison Japanese indie rock. Well, used to, because more and more bands are getting signed onto labels which get them into anison stuff, but oh well. So maybe I'll talk about those ones.
Mass of the Fermenting Dregs was one of my favourite bands until its untimely demise this year. They really delightfully intense, and seeing them live was really awesome. Lead vocalist and bassist Miyamoto Natsuko is still working on something, and we've been told to look forward to something in the future.
Merpeoples is another great band in the same vein and they're still around and kicking. Their stuff is a bit more upbeat.
Akai Ko-en is a newer band, who's a lot like Merpeoples. Until recently, they were extremely secretive and are swift at getting their stuff taken down on video sharing sites.
Spangle call Lilli line are super-chill. So are
Soutaiseiriron.
advantage Lucy are a nice poppy band.
Midori are an awesome band with a chaotic and frenetic sound who unfortunately died a year or two ago. Their leader, Mariko Goto has got her start on a solo project.
Honourable mention goes to
Rin Toshite Shigure, whose first anison single was this season.