mouse on the keys was created in 2006 by two former members of NINE DAYS WONDER, a leading group in the Japanese post rock scene. The group originated with drummer and pianist Kawasaki Akira accompanied by pianist Kiyota Atsushi. From the beginning, guitarist and saxophonist Nemoto Jun (Z, Hununhum) also lent his talent to the group, especially during recordings. Machu Picchu INDUSTRIAS, independent label created by the band toe, made self production a goal and also took care of other bands, one of which was mouse on the keys. After remarking on the group's talent, the label took them under their wing. mouse on the keys released their first EP, Sezession, in 2007.
In 2008, Ikeda Keisuke was incorporated into the duo specially for the scenic performances, as his role is the projection of images related to the music. The band was ready to go on a countrywide tour after a notable show in October at the Nagisa Music Festival, where they shared the stage with bands like toe, midori, ling tosite sigure and sakanaction. The year 2008 also marked the arrival of Niitome Daisuke, who in the past had been a drummer and composed for some funk and hip-hop bands. Kawasaki Akira, who played both drums and piano for the group, left the role of second keyboardist to Niitome. From that point, the band found a stability they had never obtained before and created a unique sound.
It was with this line-up that mouse on the keys released their first album, an anxious object, in 2009, again with Machu Picchu. Kawasaki composed all the music, and the first song of the CD, Complete Nihilism, was also arranged by Takaaki Mino, toe's guitarist. The band then embarked on a promotional tour, notably a live during which they shared the stage with toe and envy.
The band gained more recognition slowly but surely, participating in a number of compilations. Saigo no bansan, one of the songs of the mini-album Sezession, was even used for a SHISEIDO commercial advertizing the cosmetic line MAQUILLAGE. They also siezed the opportunity to enter the European market when the German records company Denovali made plans to release their two CDs worldwide. Sezession was released in February 2010, followed by an anxious object in March. Between these releases, mouse on the keys was invited to promote their CDs on the old continent via a tour through France, Germany and Poland.
