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Kenshi Yonezu - Stray Sheep (05.08.2020)[★★★★★]*REVIEW*

In the vastity of Japanese pop scene, Kenshi Yonezu is a incredible exception, thanks to a fascinating commistion between music and arts. With his fifth album, he confirmed to deserve his growing popularity, bringing up a nice genre variety on the plate, going from upbeat themes to more melancholic and nostalgical ones, helped by his compelling singing style. Thanks to this recent work, Kenshi’s music will definitely see a bigger audience, for a which exceeds the imposed limits of pop music.

ARTIST REVIEW

REVIEWS:Diorama (16.05.2012),Yankee (23.04.2014),Peace Sign (analysis)

TRACKLIST

1. Campanella

2. Flamingo

3. Kanden (Electroshock)

4. Placebo (ft. Yojiro Noda)

5. Paprika

6. Uma to shika (Horse and deer)

7. Yasashii hito (Kind person)

8. Lemon

9. Machigai sagashi (Look for a mistake)

10. Himawari (Sunflower)

11. Mayoeru hitsuji (Stray sheep)

12. Décolleté
    

13. Teenage Riot

14. Umi no yuurei (Spirits of the sea)

15. Canary
    

Mary’s Blood - Re>Animator (26.08.2020) [★★★★★]

Already appeared with: Revenant (2018),Confessions (2019)

Like many other metal bands in Japan, even Mary’s Blood decided to take a turn from their musical path, releasing a cover album which quite reflects their own skills. The band chose to bring famous anime themes into a new life, filling them with energetic notes, strong rhythms and charismatic vocals, where the tones change according to the song’s style. These four girls could definitely make an anime opening of their own and this album is a strong confirmation of this.

TRACKLIST

1. PegasusFantasy(Make-upcover)
   
2. Kouga ninpouchou (Ninja scroll of Kouga) (Onmyo-zacover)
   
3. Magia (Kalafinacover)
   
4. Syuukyoku Battler -Kouryoutaru shinsekai- (Final song battler -Desolate new world-)
5. Unravel (Tk from Ling Tosite Sigurecover)
   
6. Forever Love (X Japan cover)
7. Zankoku na tenshi no teeze (Cruel angel’s thesis) (Yoko Takahashicover)
8. Invoke (TM Revolutioncover)
9. Driver’s High (L'Arc~en~Cielcover)
10. Exterminate (Nana Mizukicover)
11. We Are! (Hiroshi Kitadanicover)
    

Nothing’s Carved in Stone - Futures (26.08.2020) [★★★★]

Already appeared with: Maze (2015),Existence (2016)

Nothing’s Carved in Stone has built a solid image in their eleven years of career, bringing on a paced and refreshing rock sound. For their latest work the band decided to cover some of their most famous themes, in an album made of two discs, where their sound is the result of their maturity, including catchy themes and great rhythmic touches. This band has grown so much since their debut and there’s a lot of interest of what the future has in store for them.

REVIEWS:Parallel Lives (06.05.2009)

TRACKLIST

DISC 1

1. New Horizon
2. Isolation
3. Spirit Inspiration
4. November 15th
5. Red Light
6. Rendaman
7. Hakutyuu (Day)
8. Out of Control
9. Like a Shooting Star
10. Kirameki no hana (Shining flower)
    

DISC 2

1. Dream in the Dark
2. Youth City
3. In Future
4. Brotherhood
5. Midnight Train
6. Around the Clock
7. Milestone
8. Pride
9. Tsubame Crimson (Swallow crimson)
   
10. Blue Shadow

Crystal Lake - The Voyages (05.08.2020) [★★★★]

Staying on the subject of self-cover albums, the metal band Crystal Lake has repurposed some of their old songs, precisely the ones made with Kentaro Nishimura as singer, this time empowered and modernized by Ryo’s harsher tone, along with a more refined sound and an improved technique. Despite being a brand-new release, Crystal Lake managed to make it fresh and addicting, and we can’t wait to hear more of their music.

TRACKLIST

1. Fabricated Refuge
2. Twisted Fate
3. Open Water (ft. Daniel McWhorterandTakashi Uesugi)
4. The Passage (ft. Kentaro Nishimura)
5. The Burden
6. Freewill
7. Innocence
8. Daylight (ft. Go Nakaharada)
9. Voyages
10. Into the Great Beyond (ft. Kentaro Nishimura)
    

Arlequin - The laughing man (19.08.2020) [★★★★]

Already appeared with: Utopia (2016)

After four years made of a bunch of singles and a mini-album in the middle, the visual kei band Arlequin delivers a full album, disproving whoever thought that their sound had become boring. The album is made of distinct songs, ranging from energetic ones, which see a reinforcement of the rhythmical component which characterized them since their debut, to passionate ones, mixing cheerful and aggressive notes without any effort. If you think that visual kei has nothing to offer, maybe Arlequin’s latest work will surprise you.

REVIEWS:Near Equal (12.11.2014),Dilemma (25.02.2015),Utopia (08.06.2016),Puzzle (analysis),Exist (15.03.2018)

TRACKLIST

1. In the Mirror
2. Veludo
3. Ikasama (Trickery)
4. Sora ni ochiru (Falling into the sky)
   
5. Kasabuta (Scab)
6. Todome wo sashite (Stop it)
   
7. Fireworks
8. Himawari (Sunflower)
9. Kimi to no Aida ni (Between you)
   
10. The laughing man

-HONORABLE MENTIONS-

Seventeen Years Old and Berlin Wall - Abstract (05.08.2020)

The first mention of the month is for the not-so-known shoegaze band Seventeen Years Old and Berlin Wall, active since 2015 and become quite notable thanks to the indie music platform BandCamp. Their latest EP sees a really enigmatic sound, with shaded notes, electronic vibes and a cohesive rhythm, creating an unique atmosphere, driven by an awesome vocal work by the singers Yusei Tsuruta and Eriko Takano. Literally made for shoegaze lovers and not only.

TRACKLIST

1. Rakuen wanai (There’s no paradise)
2. Paraglide
3. Machi no tobira (Doors of the town)
4. Touketsu-chi (Frozen land)
5. Darekaga ita umi (Someone by the sea)
6. Tounen (Ten years)

Tatsuya Kitani - Demagog (26.08.2020)

Tatsuya Kitani might not be a familiar name for you, but maybe you know the Vocaloid band Sajou no hana, whose he is the bassist. Between a single and the other, he has found time to shape up a solo project of his own and releasing also some album. The latest one offers a catchy pop-rock sound, well driven by his good vocals, along with electronic, dance beats and funky vibes. Tatsuya Kitani may be another name which can rise within the Japanese pop scene and this album is definitely worth checking.

TRACKLIST

1. Hide and Seek
2. Panopticon
3. Dead Weight
4. Humanlike
5. Bad Dream
6. Demagog
7. Lotuses

Spoilman - Body (05.08.2020)

The final mention is for a pretty indie rock band, Spoilman, active since 2019 but came out only last year with an album. Their sound is quite adrenalinic, with roots into noise and punk rock, empowered by quite heavy vocals, energetic riffs and bass lashes, making each track more pumping of the previous. Spoilman can definitely shake the ground of Japanese rock and they deserve more recognition.

TRACKLIST

1. Amaryllis
2. Declaration
3. Ghost
4. Inner Haze
5. Sunday
6. Drunken Man
7. Cloudy Eyes
8. Monotonous
9. Comfortable
10. Life is REM
11. Body
12. Pail and Ladder
13. Rampage
14. Woodcutter
15. Utonagan
    

TO BE CONTINUED…

Boris - No (03.07.2020) [★★★★★] *REVIEW*

Already appeared with: Dear (2017),Tears EPandLφVE & EVφL (2019)

Boris has redefined each possible concept of rock music in their whole career, giving to the noise itself an own shape. Even in an unlucky year like 2020, their music is still there for our enjoyment and in their 25th album, the band went back to their most hardcore roots, in a series of energetic and compelling tracks, intertwined into aggressity and unique depth. And according to the final track’s title, we should expect to hear a sequel of this album, hoping that is as powerful as this one.

REVIEWS:Boris at Last -Feedbacker- (25.12.2003),Akuma no uta -2nd issue- (2005),Pink (analysis),Dear (14.07.2017)

TRACKLIST

1. Genesis
2. Anti-Gone
3. Non Blood Lore
4. Temple of Hatred
5. Kagami -Zerkalo- (Mirror)
6. HxCxHxC -Perforation Line-
7. Kiki no ue (Top of crisis)
8. Lust
9. Fundamental Error (Gudoncover)
10. Loveless
11. Interlude

Unlucky Morpheus - Unfinished (29.07.2020) [★★★★★]*REVIEW*

If you’re into the Japanese metal scene, you have heard of the singer Fuki, whose name has accompained the audience in leading bands like Light Bringer,Doll$BoxxandDragon Guardian. Unlucky Morpheus is her latest act, started as a touhou band and became quickly popular thanks to their riveting original works. In the fifth album of the original series, the sound is energetic and virtuous, featuring powerful guitar notes, melodious themes and Fuki’s charismatic vocals. Unlucky Morpheus is an awesome mix of charisma and mystery, ready to be experienced.

BAND REVIEW

REVIEWS:Hypothetical Box Act 2 (05.05.2010),Black Pentagram (analysis)

TRACKLIST

1. Unfinished
2. Unending Sorceress
3. Near the End
4. Kago no tori (Bird in cage)
5. Salomè
6. Make your Choice
7. Top of the “M”
8. Dogura Magura
9. Carry on Singing to the Sky

Ryuichi Kawamura - Close to you (08.07.2020) [★★★★]

Ryuichi Kawamura, other than being the singer of the famous Japanese band Luna Sea, is also prominent with his solo project, which led him to release several albums and singles since 1997. On 2020 he released two distinct albums, whose first generates more interest thanks to the peculiar focus on ballads and romantic themes. Warm shades, various melodies and Ryuichi’s charismatic and passionate vocals make this album an enjoyable experience for who loves romantic music and not only.

TRACKLIST

1. Another Sky -Mou hitotsu no sora ni-
   
2. Kono kaze ni ho wo hirogete (Spread the sail in this wind)
3. Your heart
4. Close to you
5. Beyond the starry
6. Sunao na mama de (Stay honest)
7. Hikari no wa (Ring of light)
8. Light my Way
9. Your Happiness
10. Silent Bell

Zygote - Revived Relic (15.07.2020) [★★★★]

Zygote is a Japanese metal band formed on 2013, which always stayed under the indie radar. Recently the band started coming out, releasing a short but compact EP, showing off their sound in the best way possible. Energetic riffs, lively vocals and psychedelic shades, worth of a 80′s thrash metal band, Zygote definitely deserves a chance, thanks to a style which can satisfy whoever loves some good metal.

TRACKLIST

1. Metal Road
2. Deadly Diver
3. Strange Stray Sails
4. Enigma

Liphlich - Yorozu no yoru ni naku sharekoube 2 [Cranium Creation 2] [★★★★]

Already appeared with: Hebi de are o kurae andHatsumei (2016),Club Fleuret (2017)

Liphlich is one of the few visual bands to have reinvented themselves in each their work, delivering extravagant and fascinating themes. Another good feature of their sound is their unique touch in acoustic arrangements, as shown in their first acoustic compilation on 2015. Five years later the band releases the second volume, reprising older songs (plus featuring a brand-new track), where the dark and enigmatic aura of the original versions leaves the place to warmer and more sensual versions, empowered by Shingo’s compelling vocals and a refined instrumental work. Liphlich never stops surprising their own audience, even if they are bringing back old tunes.

REVIEWS:Lost Icon’s Price (05.09.2012),Full Course wa sakasa kara (02.10.2013),Great Nonsense (analysis),Skam Life (24.06.2015),Vlack April (19.04.2017),Youki na noir (26.07.2017)

TRACKLIST

1. Yorozu no yoru (Man’s night)
2. Hatsumeika A (Inventor A)
3. Manic Pixie
4. Sangenshoku Dada (Three primary colors Dada)
5. Seizokugai (Holy town)
6. Daikeikaku (Great plan)
7. Race
8. Ouroboros
9. Un Deux Trois You Die
10. Fleuret

-HONORABLE MENTIONS-

Yuki Koyanagi - Sphere -Tama uchuu- (01.07.2020)

The first mention for the month goes to the prominent pop singer Yuki Koyanagi, who released a brand-new album after thirteen years of absence. The album mixes up a series of genres, going from ballads to jazzy tunes, driven by Yuki’s clear and astonishing vocals, managing to entertain in each track. Yuki’s comeback will bring more energy within the Japanese pop scene.

TRACKLIST

1. It’s Show Time
2. Quantum mechanics
3. Pluto
4. Prelude
5. Sideway -Heikou sekai- (Sideway -Parallel world-)
6. Sphere (ft. H.E. Demon Kakka)
7. Hajiroboshi (Venus)
8. Anata no kiss wo kazoemashou -You were mine- -2020 ver.- (Count your kisses -You were mine-)

Exist†Trace - The Only Garden (29.07.2020)

Another comeback worth to be mentioned is Exist†Trace’s one, returned on the stage after four years with a new mini-album. The all-female metal band didn’t lose their own style, alternating from energetic tracks to more paced ones, showing the great skills from each member and providing a contained but various choice of tracks, fulfilled with charisma and a distinct technique.

TRACKLIST

1. Existence
2. I’m still not dead
3. Acacia
4. Selection
5. Power of “One” -vocal retake ver.-
6. Garden

Darrell - Brilliant Death (01.07.2020)

Already appeared with: Darxness (2018)

The visual metal band Darrell was destined to become even stronger, thanks to a notable frontman like Ai and a good musical support. But with their latest work the band decided to balance themselves between past and future. The release features two discs, where in the first one there are two new songs, made by a compelling and obscure energy, and the second one is a sort of “self-cover album”, featuring several hits of Deathgaze, Ai’s former band, revisited in a darker and more adrenalinic style, showing the unique skills of each member.

TRACKLIST

Disc 1

1. Brilliant Death
2. Too Late To Cry

Disc 2 -Deathgaze covers-

1. Evoke the world
2. Blood
3. Ring the Death Knell
4. Useless Sun
5. Shi sakura (Dead cherry flowers)
6. Sorrow
7. Dearest
8. Abyss
9. Rihitozoire
10. Yami ni ame fuhai shita sekai (Rain in the darkness, corrupted world)

TO BE CONTINUED…

Mucc - Aku -Justice- [Evil -Justice-] (10.06.2020) [★★★★★]*REVIEW*

Already appeared with: T.R.E.N.D.Y. -Paradise from 1997- (2015),Myakuhakuand Houmura uta -Shin- (2017),Kowareta Piano to Living Dead (2019)

Mucc is one of the most prolific bands of Japan, still ready to kick in with something new and never afraid to experiment and getting beyond the conventional music limits. Their fifteenth album marks a definitive return to their roots, building up complex and emotional themes, all driven by the energy and the intensity which this band has always provided. If you need something to boost up your days, Mucc’s latest effort is definitely your choice.

REVIEWS:Antique (25.12.1999),Kuchiki no tou (01.09.2004),Libra (analysis),Yue, ni matenrou (10.09.2014),T.R.E.N.D.Y. -Paradise from 1997- (24.06.2015),Heide (15.06.2016),Classic (14.09.2016),Kowareta Piano to Living Dead (13.02.2019)

TRACKLIST

1. Aku -Justice-
2. Crack
3. Ameria -Aku mix-
4. Kamikaze over Drive
5. Kurage (Jellyfish)
6. Friday the 13th
7. Cobalt
8. Sandman
9. Memai -ft. Hazuki from Lynch.- (Vertigo)
10. Super Hero
11. Self Hate
12. Alpha
13. My World -Aku mix-
14. Sei to shi to kimi -Aku mix- (Life, death and you)
15. Spica

Koochewsen - Mysterious Flight (17.06.2020) [★★★★★]

Active since 2008, Koochewsen estabilished a remarkable role within the Japanese rock, with their psychedelic notes and dreamy atmospheres, mainly inspired by bands like Pink Floyd. Their second album brings altogether complex and articulated themes, accompained by piercing bass lines, incredible vocal performances and gritty guitar notes, giving to each track an unique identity. Wrapped under a mysterious aura, Koochewsen is one of the reasons why the Japanese musical scene is still to be discovered.

REVIEWS:Compact (13.05.2015)

TRACKLIST

1. Mystery
2. Shine
3. Self Abduction
4. Theme of Courtship
5. Last Train Going to the Far End of Love
6. Endless Summer -Chinese ver.-
7. Starship in the Closet
8. Kiss Me Like an Illusion

milet - Eyes (03.06.2020) [★★★★] *REVIEW*

The young singer milet represents another side of the current Japanese pop scene, made of unpredictable shades. Having spent most of her life in Canada, her experience grabs a bit from the West and another bit from the East, mixing up everything in a style easy to recognize. Her first full work summarizes at best her music in the latest two years, bringing catchy and quite compelling pop melodies, all well driven by her husky and fascinating vocals. Given the popularity she gained with her appearance in several anime themes, we will definitely hear more of her.

REVIEWS:Inside You (06.03.2019),Us (analysis)

TRACKLIST

1. Again and Again -Eyes mix-
2. Parachute
3. Koukai zenya (Eve of the voyage)
4. Somebody
5. Inside You
6. Drown
7. You & I
8. Grab the Air
9. STAY
10. Dome
11. Tell me
12. Wonderland
13. Us
14. Prover
15. Unti I Die
16. Without your Love
17. Fire Arrow
18. The Love We’ve Made

Good on the Reel - Te o te [Hand to hand] (17.06.2020)[★★★★]

Already appeared with: Hikari ni mamirete (2018)

Good on the Reel is one of the most famous acts in Japanese indie rock scene and their sound is still fresh and strong after fourteen years of career. On their latest EP the band focuses more on bringing easy and flowing rock tracks, underlined by an articulated guitar work and simple vocals, fitting for any kind of listener, who is looking to enjoy good and simple music.

TRACKLIST

1. Te o te
2. Kindan no kajitsu eiga (Forbidden fruit)
3. Akai lip (Red lip)
4. Kimi no tomodachi (Your friend)
5. Sena kaawase (Back to back)

[Alexandros] - Bedroom Joule (21.06.2020) [★★★★]

Already appeared with: ALXD (2015),Sleepless in Brooklyn (2018)

After thirteen years of successful career, the alternative rock band [Alexandros] decides to step into a quite riveting direction, explained also by the departure of the drummer Shomura Satoyasu. In this release, their first conceptual work, the band brings their sound into a more acoustic and intimate side, with revisitations of some of their hits, all re-recorded from the members’ respective houses, because of the pandemic. [Alexandros] definitely knows how to overcome music limits and to reinvent their style each time and we’re ready to see what’s in store for them, now that are only in three.

REVIEWS:Kill me if you can (analysis),ALXD (17.06.2015),New Wall (20.04.2016),Swan (24.08.2016)

TRACKLIST

1. ar
   
2. Starrrrrrr -Bedroom ver.-
3. Run Away -Bedroom ver.-
4. Leaving Grapefruits -Bedroom ver.-
5. Thunder -Bedroom ver.-
6. Gesshoku Horizon -Bedroom ver.- (Moon-colored horizon)
7. Adventure -Bedroom ver.-
8. City (ft. Pecori)
9. pr
   
10. Rooftop
11. Mayonaka -Bedroom ver.-
    

-HONORABLE MENTIONS-

Kotone - Kyousouka [Racing] (24.06.2020)

The first mention of the month is for the first full work by the young pop singer Kotone, known for being winner of several musical festivals. She debuted on 2018 and since that moment she definitely got noticed thanks to her deep and chilling voice, which drives this album, made of electronic vibes and melodious tones, empowered by her awesome interpretation. Soft and bright like few, Kotone will definitely break into Japanese pop scene.

TRACKLIST

1. Sakanai hana (Not blooming flowers)
2. Ima (Now)
3. Anata no you ni naru tame ni (Being like you)
4. Kyousouka
   
5. Iza, saa (Come on)
6. Shinkaron (True value theory)
7. The Moon is Beautiful
8. Shiroku nuritsubuse (Filling in white)
9. Kimi wo shitta kara (I knew you)
10. Kitto ai da (I’m sure it’s love)
11. Asu e no tegami [Teshima Aoi cover] (Letter for tomorrow)
    
12. Kinou yori (From yesterday)

Bo Ningen - Sudden Fictions (26.06.2020)

The Japanese music is really famous for having seen weird combinations which bring on unexpectedly good results. Bo Ningen is a band you couldn’t expect to get into, since their genre is alternative/noise rock, but mixed up by psychedelia and, whether you believe it or not, rap, thanks to Taigen’s incredible flow. Their fourth album is incredibly hard to define with common musical terms, but it is incredibly articulated and variegated, with a sound made of piercing bass lines, resonant beats and bizarre tones, along with Taigen’s versatile and fascinating voice. This band is definitely something you will have difficulty to forget.

TRACKLIST

1. You Make a Mark Like a Calf Branding
2. Aka (Red)
3. Silenced
4. Zankoku (Cruel)
5. Minimal (ft. Bobby Gillespie)
   
6. Kyutai (Sphere)
7. Kuzurenai (Not collapsing)
8. B.C
9. Riff

SRMZCEK - Ogdoad (24.06.2020)

Remaining into the experimental side, there’s another project which is becoming more and more relevant. Composed by Yu Shiromizu, member of bands like I Love You OrchestraandKagero, and the pianist Chieko Kikuchi, SRMZCEK is an instrumental act whose roots are into the most mysterious and obscure sides of music. In the first album there’s a focus on eerie sounds and dim atmospheres, bringing chills and also a bit of musical ecstasy, draining the listener into a brand-new world.

TRACKLIST

1. Nun
2. Naunet
3. Amen
4. Amaunet
5. Kek
6. Kauket
7. Heh
8. Hauhet

TO BE CONTINUED…

TRIP # 162 - Pray For Sunshine Naujanwanan, Trust In Me…A Certain Smile From The One Foggy Blind. Mydriasis & Aphantasia || 04.08.2019 || Podcast! || Sonya SP 

(2019) Prana Crafter - Bodhi Cheetah’s Boogie Blues
(2019) Naujawanan Baidar - Peshak-e Siyah
(2019) Comacozer - Mydriasis
(2019) Greys - Aphantasia
(2019) Marika Hackman - The One
(2019) Flesh Panthers - Ride The Blind
(2017) Pure Muscle - Trust In Me
(2018) The BottomFeeders - Blokade
(2019) Foggy Tapes - Cargo
(2019) Eggs - A Certain Smile
(2019) It’s Sunday (Ozzy & Mylee Cover) - Pray For The Sunshine

TRIP # 194 - Acid Egyptian Ψ: My Only Ghost Mantra Leisure Ruling || 26.04.2020|| Podcast! || Sonya SP

(2020) Acid Baby Jesus - Hermit
(2020) The Kundalini Genie - Mantra
(2020) The Districts - My Only Ghost
(2020) Squid - Sludge
(2020) Damp - Binsy
(2020) Egyptian Blue - Four Is The Last Four
(2018/20) Marbled Eye - Leisure
(2018/20) Césped De Verdad - Huérfano De Likes
(2020) Liiek - Ruling
(2020) Pozi - Whitewashing
(1986) Siekiera - Jest Bezpiecznie
(2018) The Dunts - G53
(2020) Amon Acid - Ψ
(2020) Astodan - Likha

TRIP # 193 - As One, Feel Free To Mess Around: You Had It All America - Space, Moon, Dead Star Dry, Shades… Year After Year Recalls The Great Escape Ritual From A Modern Lover… || 19.04.2020 || Podcast! || Sonya SP

(2020) Zelienople - America
(2001) Mira - Space
(2020) The Kundalini Genie - You Had It All
(2020) John Ambrose & Anjaveera - As One
(2020) The Shifters - Year After Year (Home Demo) 2017
(2020) The Black Wizards - The Great Escape
(2005) Amenra - Ritual
(2020) New Primals - Modern Lover
(2020) Split Moon - Shades || Feel Free
(2019/20) Dry Spells - Sunbeam
(2020) The Jack Cades - Dead Star
(2019) The Recalls - Choose One