Tag: japan

Jumpei Kamiya Shares New Single

Leave a comment

Japanese composer Jumpei Kamiya is undertaking an interesting album, not too far off from various projects that have bubbled to the top amid this global pandemic. He’s crafted an album worth of songs, allowing talented vocalists to write lyrics and sing on his tracks. The first single from the release features Yuga; you’re definitely going to want to stick around for the entirety. At first, it definitely has this sort of elegance, building this trance with Yuga’s voice. Just as the 1.5 minute mark strikes, the song quietly erupts, dropping in this slight atmosphere to sweep you up in the tune’s emotion. Just wanted to hit you with a striking tune first thing in the morning!

Jan Flu Share Sports EP

Leave a comment

I first caught wind of Japanese jangle pop outfit Jan Flu via a collection of demos back in 2017. They’ve been quiet since, though out of nowhere they sent us their new Sports EP, so it seems only fair we would encourage you to listen along. “Lacrosse” is a standout hit; it’s the infectious sort of pop music that pulls us in immediately. I loved the bouncing rhythm of “Tennis,” and the way the vocals were delivered on that tune were particularly charming to me. Honestly, the more I listen, the more I’m just excited that this EP exists at all; its such a rewarding listen, I think you’re best suited to spend the rest of your day spinning these 6 songs!

Morningwhim Share Most of the Sun Shines

Leave a comment

I couldn’t imagine a better way to start your day then to plug this delightful track from Morningwhim, the next release from Fastcut Records. This Japanese quartet seem steeped in the history of pop music; they bring delighting harmonies from every corner of this track, taking the song’s title and shining most of the sun on the listener. The circular jangle that crafts huge emotional swells is omnipresent; it’s steadied and purposeful, serving as the perfect backdrop for the sugary drip of the vocals. Man, such a charmer. This song appears on a 7″ that will pop up on Record Store Day.

More From GRMLN

Leave a comment

What’s left for us to say about GRMLN at this point? The dude has possibly earned more praise on our website than any other artist in the past. Recently, we were sent a great new track called “Half Moon Bay” which showed a move towards a more hazy, shoegaze sound. With this new single, “Do You Really Want to Stay?”, we see a delve even deeper into the haze filled, pop music world. It’s yet another hit in an ever expanding catalogue.

We are told GRMLN will be releasing a new EP sometime in June.

[bandcamp width=100% height=42 album=2993612015 size=small bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 artwork=none track=2270400432]

Mesmerized By This New GRMLN

Leave a comment

GRMLN, currently out of Osaka, Japan, has received a slew of positive praise on ATH over the last several years. It’s crazy because we’ve seen the group go from a post-emo sound, to a more garage rock sound, and then even to a more polished Strokes style sound. Well it seems like we are headed back in time a bit as this new single “Half Moon Bay” harkens back to the beginnings of the band with a more dream pop/mellowed out vibe. Personally, I love it when a band becomes known for one thing and then throws us all for a loop with something totally different. I’m loving this one.

A new album is coming from GRMLN soon with a release date not yet announced. Stay tuned.

[bandcamp width=100% height=42 track=335682910 size=small bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5]

DMBQ Share Video for No Things

Leave a comment

Last year Japan’s DMBQ unleashed Keenly via God? Records, Ty Segall’s imprint for Drag City. As album’s never die, the band have unleashed their video for standout track, “No Things,” hoping to keep their name in your consciousness. The video is as visually disrupting as the song is sonically; it’s filled with mostly live footage, spliced with various other bits that flash across the screen. Sound wise, it’s a barrage that begins with a heavy riff, akin to Black Sabbath, before blasting off into it’s own no-holds-barred sonic exploration. Quiet moments are hypnotic, giving you momentarily respite before the band tear right through your speakers. If you dig the record, it’s out now in the States.

Indiepop Fans Should Keep an Eye on Jan Flu

Leave a comment

It’s Monday, and it’s the end of the year, so this post isn’t our typical post, but worthy for indiepop music fans nonetheless. Japan’s Jan Flu reached out over the weekend to share a video of themselves recording their latest album. It took me all of about 13 seconds to realize that while I don’t know anything about the band, I absolutely love them. They sound like a prettier version of Literature, with a deeper vocal presence that actually gives it this indiepop timelessness. All they have available at the moment is this their debut After Image that you can stream on the Spotify HERE, but wanted you to just get ready for great things.

Beachy Pop from Jan Flu

Leave a comment

It’s time I take my adoration of indiepop sounds all over the world, this time visiting Japanese outfit Jan Flu. The video itself seems to immediately draw from American tropes such as the skateboarding along the beachfront or other images associated with Cali. Musically, there’s this driving bounce from the group, heightened by the crisp angular guitar lines that encircle your ears. The vocals have this deep tonal quality, which also works in contrast to the sharp tones of the guitars; this juxtaposition is the one that encourages you to twirl about with your arms flailing. This song appears on the groups debut album, After Image, which comes out on July 11th.

Have You Listened to Typical Girls 3 & 4?

Leave a comment

Few labels are out there putting their money where mouth is, talking of cultural change in the music industry. But then there’s Emotional Response, single-handedly guaranteeing that women in punk get all their deserved credit; they’re back again with their (by now famous) Typical Girls Volume 3 & 4…two LPs worth of female rock n’ roll in compilation form. Below we’ve got a tune from Japan’s C-3s off of Volume 4. There’s structural changes throughout the tune, some moments of early post-punk and other instances of swagger and aggressiveness. A few repeated listens and glorified hooks will emerge from the noisy commotion, and you’ll swoon over this release. The LPs are available now from the label!

 

SXSW Interviews: DYGL

Leave a comment

As I comb my way through the SXSW lineup, I continue to find more and more bands to be excited about. One of those bands is relatively young Japanese quartet DYGL. Their songs have this great, almost vintage Strokes style sound to them which isn’t surprising considering their latest album Say Goodbye to Memory Den was produced by none other than Albert Hammond Jr. He’s a pretty big deal, or so I heard. If you’re looking to learn more about the great bands coming to town in a couple of weeks, hit the jump for an interview with DYGL.

Read more

1 2 3