#electro pop
Britt Warner - “Hummingbird”
Dear followers, here I am back with a selection of albums that characterized 2020 month per month. The recently passed year has been a troubling one, between pandemic, which brought delays and reductions of musical works, and a quite messy situation for myself, trying everytime and in every way to deliver a new review to read in this site. But no worries, on 2021 I count things will be a bit better, for me and also for the whole world. This selection will be the final one with the traditional structure, since, starting on 2021, it will be composed by 5 (+3) albums, as always, plus 2 singles, chosen among a bunch of other singles, since I think it will help in including more artists/bands each month. So let’s not waste time and … let’s rediscover together the best of Japanese music of 2020!
Dimlim - Misc. (28.01.2020) [★★★★★]
Already appeared with: CHEDOARA (2018),Kidoaraiku (2019)
Dimlim is definitely one of the most unusual and impredictable bands within the visual kei scene. Starting with a dark and astonishing metal sound, they evolved into something different, following the departure of two historical members, the guitarist Ryuya and the bassist Taishi. In this second album the sound is definitely shocking for who was used to Dimlim’s darker notes, but it’s anyway pleasant, with interesting math and alternative rock influences, fitting with the concept of visual kei scene as one made of unexpected things. This album has brought Dimlim’s path to a really curious and intriguing direction, which we hope to hear more of.
REVIEWS:Various (03.06.2017),The Silent Song (27.12.2017),Aizou ni tsuki… (analysis)
TRACKLIST
- We’ve changed.NOW IT’S YOUR TURN NEXT
- Mist
- Mayonaka ni watashi o tsuredashite (Take me out in the midnight)
- Funny World
- What’s up?
- + & -
- For the Future
- Tick Tak
- Kizukanai monotachi e (To fool)
- Before it’s too late
- Out of the Darkness
- Lament
The Thirteen - Enigma (29.01.2020) [★★★★★] *REVIEW*
Already appeared with:Lamentand Urge (2018),Alone (2019)
Since their debut on 2016, The Thirteen brought a lot of high expectations, due to the formidable duo made by Mao and Mizuki, both members of the historical visual band Sadie. Their second full album brings on the plate all their best features, summarized in a series of already released songs, from the four EPs came out in the previous years, plus something new. So, between energetic and heavy tracks, cleaner and melancholic notes, and a notable support by the bassist Kazu (Gibkiy gibkiy gibkiy) and the drummer Ryo (Awoi), this obscure duo confirms their constant and formidable work, which shouldn’t be missed.
BAND REVIEW
REVIEWS:Pandemic (25.05.2016),Gamushara (29.03.2017),White Dust (analysis)
TRACKLIST
- Rinne (Reincarnation)
- Karma
- Aria
- Aiyoku no rondo (Desire rondo=
- Ugly duckling
- Lament
- Siren
- Shallow
- Memento mori
- Saezuruame higeki no sanka wo tirasu (Singing rain scatters the tragedy hymn)
- Doukou (Pupil)
- Bites the Black
- Hakuchuumu (Daydream)
Reol - Kinjitou [Golden tower] (22.01.2020) [★★★★]
Already appeared with: Sigma (2016),Endless EP (2017),Kyokou shuuandJijitsujou (2018)
In the latest years, Reol has definitely made people talk about herself within the Japanese pop scene. Since her group disbanded, she brought up a distinct sound in her solo project, mainly focused on electro-pop, but also oriented to experimental styles. The second album of her “solo phase” sees a definitive return to the roots, with energetic and banging electro-pop tracks, where it is impossible not to dance. With the arrangement made by Giga, Reol’s long-time collaborator from her Vocaloid phase, the album is a unique piece within the ever wider expanse of Japanese pop.
REVIEWS:Jijitsujou (17.10.2018)
TRACKLIST
- Kinjitou
- Hype Mode
- Yu-rei-zumi-/Phanto(me)
- -Move no tame no shisoukyoku nr. 4- (-Tune for move nr. 4-)
- Hameln
- Un deux trois
- Insider
- Dali
- -Rene no shouhin nr.9- (-Rene’s piece nr.9-)
- Grimoire
- 1LDK
Naoluna - 27 -Two seven- (08.01.2020) [★★★★]
As often happens in the musical world, there are hidden gems, worth of being tried and followed, but at the same time never recognized as they deserve. Naoluna is definitely one of them. Being singer of an indie band known as Mitoaoto_, she kicked off her solo career with a series of songs published on her Youtube channel, followed by the release of her first full album. Her sound can be defined as pop, but it’s more than that; her chilling and touching voice is combined with dreamy and slow melodies, alternated with more paced ones, remaining enclosed in an atmosphere quite distinctive even for a pop singer. With her unique talents, Naoluna is definitely an artist to follow, hoping that in future she will become more and more popular.
TRACKLIST
Back-on - Rebirth (22.01.2020) [★★★★]
Formed on 2002, Back-On is one of the most renowned Japanese bands, whose fresh and engaging style allowed them to gain much popolarity, especially for the use of their songs in some anime and drama. Their eighth mini-album brings out all the key features of their sound, in a pure mix of rock, electronic and rap, well provided by energetic vocals and a distinctive instrumental work. Back-on is definitely the band you need for a explosive charge of music.
TRACKLIST
- Good morning
- Switch
- Rebirth
- Three two one
- Tokyo Be-bop
- Shall we dance
- Chain 2020
HONORABLE MENTIONS
The Brow Beat - Adam (01.01.2020)
The first mention of this month goes to a project whose name might not be familiar for you, but his members are quite famous. The Brow Beat, alternative rock duo formed on 2018, is composed by Ryuji, known as an actor who starred on musicals, and Hakuei, the famous singer of Penicillin, here as producer and back-vocalist. Their sound is a good mixture of energetic melodies and more heartfelt themes, along with some obscure and enigmatic shade. The Brow Beat is a promising project and their sound is easy and riveting at the same time, making them worth of being followed.
TRACKLIST
- Eve
- Adam
- Southern Cross
- Yatagarasu no kagefumi (Yata-glass’s shadow tag)
- Kaen (Flame)
- Black Sheep
- Oblivion
- L.R
- Tourou nagashi
MAKE MY DAY - Mind Haven (29.01.2020)
Another mention is for the notable metalcore band Make My Day. Known on 2011 as Ashley Scared The Sky, this band has become quite recognized in the scene, especially with their features in three of the “Punk Goes…” compilations. In their second album, released three years after the first one, there’s a definitely heavy and adrenalinic sound, with dynamic rhythms, raging vocals and interesting duets with other singers of the metal scene. Make My Day is another good and refreshing addition to the growing Japanese metalcore scene.
TRACKLIST
- Mind Haven
- Fragment
- Death Wish
- Money (ft. Flare Boy from Malissa)
- I Hate Everything
- Reborn
- For Freedom
- Like a Dead
- Searching for the Fate
- Wake Up (ft. Io&Kagura from Broken by the Scream)
Kari Band - Nimaime [Second piece] (29.01.2020)
The final mention of the month is for a quite unusual musical project. Originally formed as a three-session musicans, Kari Band developed a personal and unique concept, but their intitial steps have been interrupted after the death of Mikio Fujioka, their guitarist. After three years of hiatus the band came back with the second mini-album, bringing out instrumental works made of several musical influences, such as jazz, folk and metal, all distributed in six compelling tracks, to listen to all in one breath. Kari Band is a sure confirmation of how instrumental bands shouldn’t be underrated, especially in Japan.
TRACKLIST
- Samurai Groove
- Bewitching
- Dancing Baloney
- U-Yeah!!!
- Cloud Funding
- I See You
TO BE CONTINUED…
Poppy- Flux
This song knows exactly what you find exciting it’s so spooky!
I absolutely adore Låpsleyand the English musician’s soulful brand of alt R&B and electronic art pop. Her debut full length Long Way Home dropped in 2016; we haven’t heard much from her since. I’ve oft wondered whether she was working on new material, and tried to keep a lookout for any news from her, yet somehow I managed to miss out on her glorious return until just a few days ago despite My Love Was Like The Rain arriving a couple weeks ago. Without further ado, let’s take in the magnificent beauty of the shadowy, graceful reflection that is her long awaited new single. There’s no mistaking this song for anything but Låpsley, from her rich sonorous voice to the song’s fluid, spacious electronic production. The music video for My Love Was Like The Rain also entrances with its nod to old school rave aesthetics, as well as road scenes that remind me of Radiohead’s Karma Police and underwater pool shots that remind me of Nirvana’s renowned Nevermind cover art. My Love Was Like The Rain is a glimmering light in the dark, a shadowplay of a delicately entrancing song. And it’s a superb return from an artist we’ve been missing dearly. It’s taken from a forthcoming EP entitled These Elements, out November 22nd. Pre-save/pre-order, here.
Melbourne’sKult Kyss is utterly captivating on their new single Be Cool, which comes as no surprise to us considering our persistent penchant for the pair’s dark, edgy electronica and electropop over the last few years. Be Cool, the latest in their string of hypnotic singles, explores the spaces that form between people in love, and the desire to reconnect, repair and rectify things with one another. The song is about the need to be close with someone and provide a source of comfort, freedom and relief; an oasis. Driving beats and a slightly acidic contour pull us in deep into this utterly immersive anthem, which was co-produced alongside Cam Bluff (Amy Shark, Allday, Illy). Kult Kyss states: "In creating the track we wanted to strike a sonic balance between the modern and retrospective sounds of UK house music, drawing influences from artists like Jamie XX and Bicep, with throwbacks to the synthesised trance throbs of the ‘90s.“ Stream/download Be Cool, here.
