Thinking for yourself

Japanese Motors sometimes sounds like a feel-good Southern California band in the long, proud history of Dick Dale and the Beach Boys (with a twist of Gang of Four and Richard Hell to make things interesting), and they’ve been compared to TSOL and Social Distortion, but that doesn’t mean the Costa Mesa-based foursome doesn’t have some deep thoughts on their minds as they tour America.

“There is so much pretentious crap in the music scene, it makes you feel like you’re on a pre-civil rights bus ride or something. We see music becoming what it [initially] set out to destroy, when it should be inspiring and powerful.

It’s a confusing parallel in America; with the war and our economy, people are worried about whether or not gay people have the right to get married. It’s embarrassing,” lead singer Alex Knost said.

Japanese Motors has no political agenda, but serves to inspire dance and thought, and to encourage people to think and act for themselves despite what they’ve been taught to do by authority.

“This is not just aimed toward our youth, but to adults who feel the [corporate and household] pressures and weight of the world,” he said. “Seeing as how we’re on the cusp of a financial depression, we see both dance and thought as our only option for the future.”

Japanese Motors will come home and shake things up at Detroit Bar on Saturday during a stop along their November West Coast tour.

“We are very excited about this show with two wonderful opening acts,” Knost said. “The Muslims [San Diego] are one of the best bands in California right now and the Tijuana Panthers’ [Long Beach] rip-it-up ’50s-infused rock ’n’ roll is groovy.”

The origin of Japanese Motors reaches back to like-minded childhood friends who bonded over their love of music.

Under label Vice Records, Knost, guitarist Nolan Hall, bassist Daniel Michicoff and drummer Andrew Atkinson recently released their debut full-length album, “Japanese Motors,” on Oct. 7 shortly following the release of their single “Single Fins and Safety Pins,” on Aug. 19.

They also released a 7-inch vinyl with Die Slaughterhaus Records last month.

They are working on a new record, which they hope to complete within the year. Until then, they’ll be touring the country in their rad ’83 Chevy van. As for the meaning behind the name, Japanese Motors?

“Giving it all away on the first album would be like talking about your parents on the first date,” Knost said.

Stay tuned.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Japanese Motors

WHEN: Around midnight Saturday

WHERE: Detroit Bar, 843 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa

INFORMATION: Cost is $10; call 1-800-594 Tixx or visit www.detroitbar.com for information. The first 66 people to enter will receive a free event T-shirt made by the band.