August noticed a slew of high-quality rap tracks. Presumably even sufficient for the entire 12 months. Tokyo Weekender was spoilt for alternative, lastly selecting Sorane, Mezz & Dr. Pay and Novel Core. Except for rap, we had our socks knocked off with probably the greatest new rock tracks in years from newcomers Mattress and reversion home from Yosa.
Mattress — “Kare Wa”
As somebody who grew up in the identical place as The Smiths and New Order, being impressed with a modern-day indie or rock band is a uncommon incidence. But Tokyo-based newcomer Mattress has managed to do exactly that. “Kare Wa” is a incredible tune that might even be a viable monitor of the 12 months contender.
Guitars and percussion come collectively in an intense and orchestrated manner, making it a composition that Goat (the Japanese band, not the Swedish one) would fortunately go for. In a world the place many rock and indie bands find yourself as carbon copies of those that got here earlier than, Mattress is creating one thing thrilling, on solely their second single. Already touted as a reside power to be reckoned with, they’ve nice potential for a brand new band.
Whether or not for higher or worse, the bar is ready excessive, however let’s hope they’ll proceed with this caliber of music.
Sorane — The “HPN” gimme
Hyogo Prefecture rapper Sorane launched “Gimme HPN” in August, a cool, breakbeat-inspired rap monitor with Mondo Grosso’s Shinichi Osawa on manufacturing duties.
With the video taking cues from Fatboy Slim’s notorious “Weapon of Alternative” monitor, it is a Japanese tackle the loveable “unhappy man in a go well with is definitely enjoyable” format. Osawa’s upbeat, funky beats complement Sorane’s enviable stream with aptitude. The result’s a feel-good affair. And the inbuilt scratching makes no false pretenses: this monitor is designed for the dance flooring.
Sorane’s phrases glitch and twist artificially utilizing the voice as an instrument, then again to the monitor as soon as extra. Completely different from his earlier choices, “Gimme HPN” shows Sorane’s versatility and expertise as an artist.
Shit Kingz — “Trash Discuss ft. Core Novels”
We have been debating whether or not or to not embody this within the roundup, as it’s music made for a dance video slightly than the opposite — extra standard — manner round. However the tune is excellently produced by Goro Kumai and encompasses a enjoyable pattern from “NEO,” a tune by Japanese woman band, Chai. The monitor is a light-weight simple listener, with incredible stream from Novel Core, who spits bars over Kumai’s trendy bassline slider beat.
It options cameos from two members of Chai, Mana and Yuuki, who buoy up Novel Core’s straight-up, no-nonsense bars. The lyrics in “NEO” are a protest in opposition to the male patriarchy, mimicking catcalls in “we’re so cute, good face.” In “Trash Discuss,” these satirical protests are taken to progressive heights, as (male) members of Shit Kingz shout again “It is okay we’re so cute.”
For a tune designed for dancing, “Trash Discuss” is surprisingly advanced, with numerous adjustments that sweep the listener away. Pop it on and dance across the bed room, or bob alongside on the prepare.
Yosa — “Rainbow”
Yosa, one half of manufacturing duo Yosa & Taar, launched Rainbow final month, his first solo EP in six years. Set to play for the Rainbow Disco Membership spin-off occasion, RDC Sound Horizon, in October this 12 months, it supplies listeners with a style of the set to return.
Squelchy 303 acid licks and refined, shimmering pads within the background sound like Jack J had a hand within the making of this EP. Whereas the title monitor is a straight-forward home affair, “Thermae” sees a extra intricate, disco-influenced development, full with jumpy hi-hats and quick ’80s finger-wagging chords. Mok steps up for the remix, turning “Rainbow” right into a relaxed, lounge-back chugger and injects shoe-gaze vibes into the monitor for the Kitsune no Yomei model.
Mezz and Dr. Pay — “Dr. Mezz”
Mezz dropped her sexiest bilingual single but in August, accompanied by Dr. Pay (DNA, Shachi) as a beat-making maestro.
Husky muttering, purring and spitting bars by Mezz on “Cash From The Filth” present a grimy commentary over Dr. Pay’s infectious drill-influenced beats. Contemplating Mezz solely started releasing songs in 2022, it looks as if she has already discovered an ideal collaborator in Dr. Pay.
The penultimate monitor “Lisa” is a mellow J-pop tune, in virtually full distinction to the previous two. “Lisa” then flows into the closing monitor, “Midnight Sea,” which is an easy electronica quantity and chilled-out head bobber that matches effectively into the identical camp as Tamanaramen and Maika Loubte.