toynoise-blog

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Last Week in Japanese Underground: Nov 20th / Nov. 26th

JYOCHO『碧い家』

While this isn’t a new song, the album has already come out, it is a new music video for the track. This is my second favorite song off the album, capturing many aspects that made the album so great. The vocalist moves in and out over the chorus, adding an anchor over top the math rock sounds that flow underneath. It’s both relaxing and slightly chaotic, giving you that perfect balance. Beautiful vocals placed on top of the river of constantly moving and slowing down instrumentals, chaotic in nature but nonetheless layered with structure and a calming sound. The music video itself is captivating as well. Utilizing two frames on both sides to create a contrasting but always so near being a similar feeling. Having the camera slightly at a different angle or crafting an altered scene. It works perfectly with the music while being able to stand on its own as a visually mesmerizing experience. Also, the shots of the band playing are shot so well and framed in contrast beautifully, helping display their skill and the beauty of performance.

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Last Week in Japanese Underground: Nov 13th / Nov. 19th

N-qia - light

This track is beautiful, something I’ve come to know of n-qia. They produce electronic tracks that never stray far from this electronic sound that never really feels too electronic. Utilizing samples that sound as if they should always be held out, instead, it is cut into tiny bits and spread across the track, hitting themselves then bouncing back. Over top of all that is distinct vocals, covered in a layer of reverb and holding out notes that are flowing into a stream, causing the aforementioned electronics to blend in. N-qia is no doubt one of the best electronic groups around currently and in recent times. Taking form from the chaotic sounds that quickly rush in then disappear only to reappear again, yet never falling out of this flow that the reverb-soaked vocals help create. It's beautiful and calming, a two-person orchestra that sinks into an electronic landscape synonymous with nature and tired anxieties.

Satellite Young - Modern Romance

A modern pop jam, it has the sound of city pop mixed with the modern sounds of disillusion and exaggeration. The lyrics are fun and weirdly honest, coming from vocals that are the perfect fit if you’ve ever listened to city pop. Touching on all the essentials of a city pop/neon inspired pop track, this song does everything it sets out for something I can admire. Although, from some of their other tracks, specifically fake memory, display an ability to work off this baseline influence and create a more rhythmic and slightly chaotic sound. Mixing the pop sounds with a more dissonant or obscured sound, even slight, would help them distinguish themselves. Yet, their current trajectory has a charm to it that feels like a naive pop that’s just having fun, something that can make pop great.

[toynoise-blog]

Last Week in Japanese Underground: Nov 6th / Nov. 12th

The Wisely Brothers - The Letter

This track is a mix between narration turned into singing and a sweet song that the Wisely Brothers are becoming known of. It’s a very odd track in its structure, featuring the narration mixed with the tune of the song. They work with the narration in a way that gives it that musical quality, and the vocalist is aware of that pushing out notes in a way that feel as if she couldn’t hold back singing. The chorus is typical of Wisely Brothers but the “I can feel something” that rings out is too catchy not to join in with. Ultimately, its a slightly typical song that tries to explore some more narratives and utilizes melodic guitar riffs to create the nostalgic and sweet sound. Yet, it could mesh everything together better, and add a bit more diversity to the instrumentals that they have shown on other tracks. The chorus is super catchy though, and with the slight edge of that distortion, it gives it an uplifting sensation.

P-iPLE - Starbucks' Curse

Very hardcore and crunchy in the sense that it feels like I constantly forget what point of the song I’m at but I can’t shake the initial energy it spurred up. This track is off Call and Response records known for their more hard-hitting sounds and invigorating music. P-iPLE is nothing short of that, utilizing the noised out instrumentals underneath the half-shouting and rhythmic talking-like vocals. Ultimately, its repetitive and nonstop energy, in the best sense of that description. They play off the typical noise rock and punk sounds but add their own rhythmic vocals that make it feel less repetitive and add that back and forth quality. In addition, the guitar spews out noisy slides that create a layer of chaos and create the overall structure of the noise that is constantly burying you. 

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Last Week in Japanese Underground: Oct. 30th / Nov. 5th

YeYe -  うんざりですよ

Something YeYe is known for, a beautiful folk track. The vocals never take a break having a distinct rhythm to them that utilizes each syllable to put emotion into the song. Her vocals are laid back yet fluctuating in the small space she sets up for her, working on each word with almost each one having a distinct sound set to it. While this may seem like an exaggeration its a subtle vocal quality I think YeYe employs well. The instrumental is simple, yet the guitar is constantly moving and it sits in the background just enough that you don’t notice until focusing on it. The percussion starts off as just a shaker, adding more elements in later in as a horn takes the spotlight, crafting another dimension to the song along side the dual vocals. Like the guitar, the males vocals rest in the best complimenting YeYe’s vocals and adding this laid-back deepened depth to the track. YeYe has consistently become one of my favorite folk artists of recent years out of Japan, she crafts both mellow and beautiful tracks that always give off a distinct emotion that one can’t place their finger on. Taking on folk in a way that is expansive, emotional, and relaxing.

NYAI Mini Album Release

Not much to write about this week but NYAI has announced a mini album they’ll be releasing on November 18th, 2017. I wrote about the tracks released from this a bit back, you can find that here, Welcome to The Showhey House and Circular Saw. This album seems promising with the band taking new approaches to songs while still utilizing the dual vocals to add that depth to each song, and layered beauty. Furthermore, they aren’t utilizing the constant drumming they had on previous releases as much and are exploring new areas of their songwriting. Overall, an exciting release that is promising and is from one of the most intriguing indie-rock bands in Japan right now.

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Last Week in Japanese Underground: Oct. 23rd / Oct. 29th

テト・ペッテンソン- ウラハラ 

I had never heard of this band before but what an interesting trip this song is in only 2 minutes. They utilize a short and sweet rhythm throughout the entire song, playing off that bouncy sound that gives their song an interesting feeling to it. It’s not overplayed in any regards and is very unique in its approach to utilizing every instrument as a sort of rhythm keeper, even the vocals. Although they do use the what I believe to be a recorder and melodica to create a melody that is sort of distracted from the rest of the song but fits perfectly in with it. The vocal approach is amazing and feels very rhythmic but still dwelling in a varying style especially with the different vocalists coming in. Placing the longer held out notes to create the diversity in the song that creates a distinction from the constantly moving rest of the track. This is definitely going to be a great record and maybe one of my favorites of the year. The band is unique and approaches songs in a way that are very structured but also have a playful sense to them, allowing each instrument to give their own sense to the song while providing a slight change in the overall sound.

白い朝に咲く- 日々の泡 

With this, I want to talk about two songs that really both achieve the same thing, while the above song by 白い朝に咲く does it overall better. Both tracks have a great wall of sound that, in the above song, comes out after the 5-minute mark. It’s distortionally beautiful and plays off the vocals well while maintaining this slow movement underneath it. Emotional and melancholic sounds flow out occasionally being struck through by the cymbals. Also, the music video plays off this extremely well, having the video of the jellyfish to encapsulate that drawn-out sound while the cuts between the other shots give it that melancholic essence with the sensation of the noise being struck through. Melodies ring out over top the sound as the vocals are nowhere to be found, ending in a mix between wind and the stagnating guitars that is dreamlike. The start of the song isn’t nearly as good as the second half but it still is worth being part of the track. It creates that contrast between the two parts and gives the vocals a spotlight with the drums, letting the guitars create melodies in the background, and having those dual vocals slightly in the background add a touch of beauty to it. Just shorten it up a bit and it would be better. Overall, a shoegaze highlight for me.

THURSDAYS YOUTH - Drowsy

In the second track, linked below, they play off that noise to an even further extent really drenching the vocals in it too. There is a lulling sensation to it and it utilizes great aspects of shoegaze and adds an edge of noise to it. Both tracks having the contrasting parts between the less noise drenched section that places emphasis on the vocals with the distortion that comes in the second halves.

あめとかんむり - ready

Definitely one of the best hip hop tracks I’ve heard recently. With a simple and relaxing beat that is very upbeat but still laid back, staying in the house realm. Falling underneath this very rhythmic and great flow, using her unique voice to her advantage and creating a perfect flow for the beat underneath. Also, the synths tossed in there that give it an ambient edge help set it apart from just a typical hip-hop track, it uses those melodic or ambient synths in the background to give it a structure past the beat. Further using the vocals to add upon that with the chorus having this very beautiful vocal sound to them that doesn’t really move outside of one range, feeling relaxed and melted into the song. Also, this is one of the best music videos I have seen this year. The visuals are beautiful, have a weird sense of nostalgia to them, and are just mesmerizing. Combing shots that utilize light in a hazy and deep way, while combining images that you wouldn’t think could fit together. 

(Sorry for the late post, I was having issues logging into tumblr)

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Last Week in Japanese Underground: Oct. 16th / Oct. 22nd

テンテンコ - 危険なハイウェイ (リリックビデオ)

Surprisingly enough テンテンコ is a frequent listen for me, especially her more instrumental works. She creates interesting electronic instrumentals with often very noisy elements, that are abrasive, simple, and diverse in their own right. But songs like the one linked above and similar stuff to it combined with her idol past are what have given her the fame she has. Which I wish wouldn’t be so focused on her idolness as she has more to offer. Yet, she obviously has a grasp of pop music and has a voice perfect for crafting the soft punches in her songs and carrying that catchy vocal element. This song is constantly pressing forward with each break being filled either by the saxophone or her la la la’s and overall its just fun and gets your moving. It takes the essence of the music video with her riding down this road in a comedic classic looking animation. With the 80s essence combined with the pop idolness that テンテンコ can carry with her, create an enjoyable pop track that is both moving (with that great drum backing that has bouncing back and forth hi-hats) and soft. 

paranoid void - 泡沫の空、永遠の街

This math rock track from paranoid void is ultimately very generic in its math rock sense, holding to the roots of the genre. This is not a bad thing either, they develop that sound very well. Utilizing the constant guitar riff to give the song structure as the drums play an odd beat in the background, allowing them to fall into the background before you realize the interesting sound they are creating. There is also this break in the song that allows in a shift in the mood of the track, giving it that melancholic sense and utilizing shoegaze-esque vocals to further provide that structure. They mix the math rock roots with a more chaotic element and constantly switch roles between the instruments in providing structure to the song. It ends up creating this aforementioned chaotic sound that takes the math rock roots and adds an interesting, sometimes offbeat, element to it. Taken some of the beloved aspects of the genre and combining them in their tracks, even the constant guitar chords to finish off the song. Which the ending does fall short, ending abruptly and not really giving any closer to the elements they built on in the song. A more decisive and concrete ending would solidify the song even more.

[toynoise-blog]

Last Week in Japanese Underground: Oct. 9th / Oct. 15th

かせきさいだぁ - ちょうどイイ ~Feel so good~

A very happy and fun song from かぜきさいだぁ that can only put me in one mood, a closed eye bobbing head with a slight smile on my face kind of mood. That chorus jumps out telling you to come along, all placed over top whimsical scenes in the music video. Featuring a backing drum that hides in the background but is so persistent it's in the foreground as if someones playing right outside the doorway in full view. The song utilizes it’s instrumentation in a way that is explorative yet very systematic to their sound, and the mood they are striving for. The chorus features a synthesized voice that almost resembles an attempted enthusiastic yet unskilled classical singing performances, and it compliments the fun chorus so well. Mixing the joyous instrumentation with a simple yet upbeat and very bubbly pop lyrics/vocals this track gets what it strives for in being a “feel so good” kind of track. Although I wish they would develop further on some of the aspects they use within the track, such as the aforementioned vocal part, some more emphasis on the drum aspects, and overall usage of the great group vocals they employ.

MOSHIMO - 支配するのは君と恋の味

An indie rock track over topped with cute vocals and (expected) instrumentation backing it up. The chorus explodes out in the start and holds itself up until the end. Her vocals push each bit of it on by themselves, holding the track up. Until the breakdown occurs when the drums let themselves drift more and find a far more fitting sound with the guitar shifting in and out of breaks. I also appreciate the background guitar holding out constant sounds that create an added atmosphere to the song. Yet, this song has far more potential then it finishes off with. Exploring more and more at some parts, such as when they utilize whispering under the vocals, but overall it falls too much into a formula and doesn’t give itself enough confidence in areas that they could explore more. The vocals are unique though, while still hinged on this familiar sound but utilizing that unique aspect of it to form a cute sound mixed with the more stripped back sound.

[toynoise-blog]

Last Week in Japanese Underground: Oct. 2nd / Oct. 9th

Su凸ko D凹koi - MOMANAIDE

They construct songs that at first come off as fun punk or cute upbeat punk tracks that are simple in their entirety. But instead, they create interesting songs that are often lined with more personal messages and issues that may ruminate with listeners. Their utilization of the simple song combined with messages of femininity is entertaining and interesting. “Don’t rub my breasts” is blasted within the chorus and the casual vocals have a distinct rhythm, and finally a held back shouting part that feels restrained adding another layer to a simple song. Another part I come to love is the short phrases tossed in displaying a change in the song, but not giving a second in between to process the change coming. Ultimately, they are a talented band that forms songs that are perfectly timed and made with a precision that places each part where it belongs and crafts this fun punk sound that they can undermine with the vocals, all in a good way. The song is fun, interesting, and features multiple layers to it that doesn't let the listener just sit by and indulge in the “cuteness” or upbeat whimsical nature of it, they can be pressed further if they wish. Yet, they still are talented musicians with songwriting abilities are able to create this explosive track that constantly keeps you from resting, as punk often should. Mixing emotional responses, well timed vocals, and simple yet crashing instrumentals with a personal sense to it all. Refusing to let listeners see them as just a “cute” girl punk act. This was the main song that stood out this week as this band has a distinct sound and execution to them that could be mixed with more generic acts, yet I’d hope this band doesn’t get caught by a net forcing them into a specific role or away from this current trend/sound.

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Last Week in Japanese Underground: Sept. 25th / Oct. 1st

メシアと人人 - APPLE

A great indie rock track from  メシアと人人 that is very simple and mellow while also having this burst of energy that’s sustained throughout the track. It never really diverts from the initial sound or feeling, creating a steady song and drifting feeling. Never being really pulled into the track or caught in it, but being dragged along in a melancholic manner yet happy as the ride goes on. The vocalist expresses himself with every word never trying to hard, but having a rhythm to his voice and emotion to it. Although, they should explore more territory utilizing his rougher vocals and the parts he held out to bursts into more emotion. Maintaining the familiar indie rock sound that’s been coming out of them and similar bands, but taking that simplicity and developing song held out emotion in it. The guitar is blended well though, and while following the same melody throughout the whole song it has the nostalgic feeling and youthful sense that these bands are producing. 

その他の短編ズ - 魚 

その他の短編ズ have quickly become one of my favorite groups within Japan right now. Crafting weird folk songs that are charming, odd, and captivating. They utilize repetition and their double vocals to create this very soothing sound that always seems both devoid of meaning and filled with it. Their music has a very charming quality to me, its fun yet they try to experiment and push themselves. Utilizing well placed lyrics and vocals on top of repetitive instrumentals, captivating you until it seems the song has ended. They know exactly what they want to make but seemingly their tracks are crafted out of a place that feels like they just went with it. An odd folk duo that makes you feel less of an outside in a monotony of daily weirdness. I cannot recommend their music more if you enjoy this track and anything that is experimenting within folk. 

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Last Week in Japanese Underground: Sept. 18th / Sept. 25th

ariel makes gloomy - slowmotion

This track is actually older than last week but I thought it deserved recognition. It’s a pop filled shoegaze influenced track that glides out with its sound. Utilizing constantly moving synths in the background to give it this moving and electronic feeling, it presses forward with balanced guitars. Vocals ringing out over top with an echo, overall meshing indie rock, shoegaze, and pop to create a dynamic and bursting track. It felt like a song that balanced everything so well, yet never jumped headfirst into one thing. Overall, dynamic and never skipping a heartbeat, repetition that feels like constantly moving but seeing new scenes as you go along. A simple mix of influences that’s nothing to spectacular, but its fun and dynamic bursting out with energy but still having that movement of shoegaze and indie rock.

CRUNCH - Blue

Another track from a shoegaze known as Crunch. They create an interesting sound that is fluctuating and ethereal in a way that doesn’t feel too detached. The vocals are both grounded but mixed with a backing moving vocal part thats more ambient. This song is stripped back starting off with minimal instrumentation and the vocal pushing it forward, eventually letting a kick drum carry the beat. Those vocals never stop spilling out its part that becomes so familiar by the end of it. A very interesting song that is simple yet so well crafted in utilizing basic instrumentation and a pressing vocal part. Mixing the punctuated vocals, drums, and bass with a guitar that places an atmosphere to it. Moving along with the backing vocals that come in and add to a more drawn out sound. After hearing this an excitement for their first album is increasing greatly.

吉澤嘉代子 - 残ってる

A simple folk track from the already established singer is both relaxing and nostalgic. Her vocals have a unique sound and with her singing they create this nostalgic essence that feels rooted in some memory. While its nothing great instrumentation wise, I think the vocals have a sound to them that could be complimented by even simpler instrumentation. She places the singing into the song in a way that feels as if its never changing but flows out in a beautiful manner. The chorus being packed with emotion can’t help but catch one’s attention. Not the best of tracks, and certainly not her best, being able to use some work around the slightly lackluster instrumentation. But, its a nice song to go along with some feelings of nostalgia or simplicity. 

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Posts Quality

A bit of a deterioration in the quality of posts. I’ve been quite busy with university as of late and other things in my life. I hope I can still keep a steady flow though and introduce some songs/music videos I enjoy. Sorry for the lacking posts though, hopefully I’ll improve somewhat overtime.

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This Week in Japanese Underground: Sept. 11th / Sept. 17th

平賀さち枝 - 10月のひと

This song is very similar to her past work. It’s very much in the vein of her work, playing off her soft vocals which have a rounded sound to them, something that feels as if less effort was put in. That isn’t a bad thing either, it doesn’t come off as attempting to be something it isn’t. Although I wish she would explore more areas of her music. Ultimately, nothing to complain about but still nothing to get excited about. A fun and cute track that will have fans of the soft but upbeat singer songwriter songs, with a hint of walking with a smile on your face down some less important street that is near a more crowded area of the city.

日食なつこ - レーテンシー 

I’m still unsure about this song. The instrumentals on it are lacking for me, but still fitting to the song. Yet, what makes it good they depart from right as the song picks up. Focus on the piano bouncing back and forth as it does in the start of the song fits so perfectly with the vocals, or even after the first chorus when she loses the piano. Her voice is a great balance of rough with soft, never drifting too much from one tone. I could listen to the vocals all day, so ultimately the instrumentals lacking don’t come to the forefront too much, drowned out by the vocals. Either the piano needs to be focused on or lost in this one. The music video though is creative for really amounting to nothing overall. It’s intriguing yet all the same shot from a different angle. Frames her performance in an emphasizing manner that draws out a personality even within the distant far off shots. Still some parts were way too pop orientated but it seems that is what they are going for in the chorus and its a direction that makes sense. 

Tokumeikibou - Ryudo Jinmon

#1 RECOMMENDATION 

This song isn’t necessarily new and the video isn’t from the last week either, but I recently discovered it and to share the two. It’s an indie rock jam that starts off with a simple guitar playing that rigid sound that fades into the background as the vocals kick in. They’re sweet and slightly drawn out, having a nostalgic sound to them, and have a very mellow feeling to them even when she picks up pouring emotion to it. Even within the emotion it has a desperate and end of the breath sensation to them, the words flow out of vocals that aren’t flowing themselves. I love that sound and it has a much more tangible feeling to it. What really draws me in though is the screaming within the track. Drawing you in directly to that emotion that she has been hinting at, exploding with the guitar part from the start of the track. A moment of explosion that overall is quite short and leaves me wanting more, its a complete flip from her previous vocals. It’s a great usage of her vocals with the very nostalgic guitar in the back. Simple yet so driving and fitting as it pushes you into the emotion with her breaking voice. All paired with a seemingly minimal video of just eating on the beach. Yet, it still brings out that broken sound through the wading in the water and the drifting away from that scene. This is definitely one of my favorite tracks I’ve listened to recently, the screaming part is just far too appealing. 

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This Week in Japanese Underground: Sep 4th/Sep 9th

つしまみれ -  東京ジェリーフィッシュ

つしまみれ come together to create another bouncy track, with a similar style to their other songs. It’s constantly moving but following a pattern, shifting from that singular bouncy style to the soft guitar chords and the drums always pushing forward in a nonstop beat. The vocals are unique and create the same essence of the instruments, bouncing up and down while shifting into that soft more held out area. They’re executed well and have such a distinct personality to them, giving the track a punk edge while making it interesting, unique, and poetic. Its a fun track from the group that doesn’t stray very far from their known sound, but they’ve done that in the past and this execution isn’t bad. Distinct, upbeat, and constantly pressing forward is what this track does best and overall I’ve had it on repeat letting my head bob to the guitar telling me where to go and the vocals giving me a lush (for lack of a better word) side to it all.

つしまげる - つしまげる

They’ve also released a separate track with a new drummer which can be described on many of the same terms, although exploring the more singular side of it and letting explode in the end into a hypnotic trance of repetition and upbeat bass lines, also utilizing claps in a way that isn’t annoying, a task in itself.

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This Week in Japanese Underground: Aug 28th/Sep 3rd

銀���BOYZ - 骨

The new Ging Nang Boyz track is fluid and flows from start to finish, especially after the guitars pick up and work with this sound featuring a laid back and sunny sound. The vocals come through in a hard-hitting manner, like past releases but obviously straying from the punk edge and noisier side to them/their songs. From the start of the track they hold out notes and an almost rough sound that has emotion to it. Although the track felt somewhat underwhelming to me, I couldn’t fully get into it, preferring the Yuko Ando’s (安藤裕子) version. The vocals on the track worked well and pushed a similar emotion to the original with a new side to it. Also, the drums had a great punch to them and I could see myself riding a bike to the song. Both Yuko Ando's (安藤裕子) version, who they originally wrote the song for now releasing their version, and this have their own elements, and feature an emotional element that I think compliments the song and its essence, it’s made by the vocals. Due to the diversity and execution of the vocals, is where the track gains its merit. Ging Nang Boyz capture a sense of themselves within this track, its overall fluid and the vocals really seize the moment. While I felt somewhat underwhelmed by it, the track has a nice feeling to it and has a great pop essence to it. Working with the instrumental to create this sense of multi-layers with the guitar solos laid underneath, mixing the guitars while still following a single idea. (If you can’t view it on YouTube its also available on Spotify) 

INSHOW-HA - Lemon

Inshow-Ha released a new track and music video, both are hard hitting. The song itself features a constant instrumental that never lets you rest. Featured within it are guitars and a piano that explodes in, and over top are the vocals chime in. They are held back for a lot of the song, but during the chorus chime in over everything else with a vocal part that is intriguing and falls out in an almost rupturing way. During this vocal part, they hit every note in just the right way, morphing themselves to the song. Once again on this track the vocals come out making the track, but without that diverse yet constant instrumental it wouldn’t be one. It’s the diverse guitar part that is distorted and fluctuating plus the shifting piano and synth lines that create the multi-layer and packed sound. Creating a dance pop track with a distorted edge to it and vocals that kind of make my eyes open slightly more. On top of this, the music video features a set of geometric shapes constantly shifting around the screen over top some backgrounds and the duo. It works in a manner that reflects the track and its sort of chaotic yet structured sound. The video doesn’t take itself too seriously though and has a lot of fun creating this mix of scenes and flashing shapes. Some parts are even a little comedic, for example the “doushite” part adds some humor to the duo. All the while working with the title of the track “Lemon” to utilize that yellow color scheme creating a contrast between the duo and the objects against the backgrounds laid out. Lastly, the duo creates an almost awkward routine that is still seemingly very fluid and intriguing in a way that is kind of cute, something I think has become common within a lot of the acting and dancing throughout music videos. 

その他の短編ズ - 伝説

その他の短編ズ new track is a constant beam of sound, bathing the listener in a light that isn’t there. It came rushing over me, through this ambient synth that doesn’t stop. The familiar vocals ring in through a pattern that bounces back and forth that’s distant from the rest of the track. They hold out notes blending with the synth. Waves of sound flow throughout, but really, they never stop its constant. Vocals are used to add that extra layer and break into it giving a sensation for rhythm and that experimental side that その他の短編ズ has come to display, and I appreciate most from them. Their direction in this song is somewhat new, and utilizes their interesting vocals to create an ambient and relaxing track. Overall paired with their previous song 伝説, they released about a week before this, they are displaying an ability to create varied songs. 

伝説 is a very seemingly dance driven song with fun vocals, taking use of their weird vocals while turning into this driving force. It’s an entertaining yet odd dance party, featuring synth sounds that sound like they could held out to create another ambient piece. They’re delivery is very lyrical and bouncy, adding to a varied track that can best be exemplified through the music video. It’s a weird dance party with eccentric details laid out. For me I was transported there for a bit while listening to the song.

[toynoise-blog]

Nyai - Circular Saw

Nyai has released another track titled Circular Saw, a fitting title for the song. It features a slightly distorted guitar pressing over the track in an almost circular fashion. The drums are crunchy and precise as usual, pushing the song along in just the right manner. Then it’s the vocals, holding a similar sound throughout the track but the emotions come flowing out. It guides the instrumental along, placing emphasis on the guitar here or the drums there. Underneath all of this towards the end of the track is guitar solo, something familiar of Nyai, that almost sits in the background, talking with the drums. It’s a simple solo yet on that compliments the song so well and works in that circular fashion, not to overdo using the title of the track. This song is another example of Nyai’s ability to create songs in multiple fashions, and shows their skill to create these emotional tracks that always pull me along. They already displayed their unique talents and ability to captivate with past releases, but this is just following the trend and working in new ways that explore more sides of them.

[toynoise-blog]

メトロノリ

The new songs from  メトロノリ are very relaxing and ambient. An environment exists within them that exists in its own world and captures me into this zone that I can’t seem to escape from. Music like this is both captivating while also having this very laid back sound to it. The experimental elements of it, that achieves this “cyber” sound as it seems to me. Hip Hop elements also exist within the song, the vocals similar to that of Daoko. It’s a mix of sounds that feels off beat and chaotic while also achieving a relaxing element. The music videos are also eccentric, creating beautiful scenes from what feel like out-there visuals but still have this mundane undertone. It’s visuals are both intriguing and have this simple beauty to them while also delving into a weird area that creates these scenes that feel almost unreal. I had to write shortly about this song and music video, as it’s been on my mind lately and somewhat emphasizes the simple scenes, that have their own uniqueness to them, that I encounter. This kind of music holds a interesting aesthetic for me that utilizes its bouncy sound to not step too far into one influence and maintain its off beat and relaxed elements.

[toynoise-blog]

This Week in Japanese Underground: August 21st/August 26th

Elaborate mix match of sounds that work in a similar style to footwork but still maintaining a cohesive ambient sound. The song is both relaxing while also establishing a chaotic element, fluctuating and shifting throughout. It’s movements through ambient and electronic create a multi-layered sound that never ceases to have that relaxing tendency, but not really falling into a “chill” or lackluster song. An interesting song that keeps interest peaked while also laying itself in the background and washing over you, but with a moving sound instead of an ambient wave.