album of the week: 7.4

Asian Kung-Fu Generation

Magic Disk

Ki/oon (2010)

Why you'll love it: Reminiscent of smart indie pop like Jets To Brazil and The Get Up Kids

why you'll hate it: Bland compared to their older material, nothing wildly innovative

On first glance, there is a deceitful mediocrity to Asian Kung-Fu Generation. Their accessibility and total Western indie rock influence makes them sound a bit like every late 90's Weezer clone band. I'm sure many people who dig them, have been only for providing the opening credits song to their favorite anime. It wasn't until their 2008 album (World World World) that it became obvious to me that this band is a step above the average assembly line of emo-pop, and deserving of much more praise than writing "that one song" in some anime you like.

There is nothing experimental about what AKFG does, but their songs have such a familiar structure and easy to remember melodies, that the language barrier is completely torn down. Even on the slower songs of Magic Disk have a flow to them that sticks with you. They seemed to have learned from their mistakes in Fanclub (2006), which was their previous attempt to mellow out. No songs this time out make you go "I bet this would be interesting if I knew the words, but there is nothing else really going on here."

Because of the relaxed style of Magic Disk, the album isn't the eye-opener World World World was. The story I've heard was that singer, Gotoh, hijacked the album in a manner of speaking; which results in a lot of similar paced songs. No indie noodling to be found here, but certainly no fast paced rock numbers. The closest such thing is the title track, which is nothing compared to singles over the past couple years, let alone the early days.

There isn't a single bad song on here. After two spins, I was able to look at the track list and recall at least one catchy chorus or guitar riff from each of them. This feels more like a really good b-sides compilation than an actual album with big highs and lows. The only real complaint I have about this album is one I've historically had for the band. They have no real uniqueness to them. Nothing influential. Frankly, they're just more skilled and have a better ear for melody than most bands. If only this was what general mediocrity sounded like, the radio would certainly be more enjoyable.