(2013)
why you'll love it: JA-GU-AR
why you'll hate it: all pop, no crazy
How important is change to you? tsushimamire made their mark for being this bizzaro punk rock antagonist to the cute and cuddly Japanese pop stereotype. This concept ran fresh up until their 4th full length album, Shocking. Not only did I praise Shocking for its ambitious concept album format, but for being a completely different sound for the trio.
Now it seems as if tsushimamire can't return home. This self titled release is devoid of punk, and lets their pop side flourish without irony. The only thing close to a fast pace on this release is the single, "Jaguar". Now, "Jaguar" is a cool song, but I have a real bone to pick with it. I hate when bands release a single that has absolutely no representation of the album. I remember how the Jimmy Eat World single, "Bleed American", tricked me into thinking the band was releasing a heavy and aggressive album, and not their most timid and radio friendly one yet.
"Jaguar" is a decoy. The real album here is filled with the kind of songs you would usually skip on a tsushimamire album, in order to get to the next "Doing Nothing" or "Time Lag". That isn't to say this album is without charm. There are actually quite a few innovative melodies and interesting takes on pop. "in your syrup" has a smooth pace, and great use of cadences. I really like the driving bass on "はじまりのうた". "SNS" has an innovative motif to it, and "No Punk" is a pretty cool no-wave, shoegazey ballad to close the album on.
All in all, his album is not very strong, and doesn't do enough to stand alongside the sound this band is most known for carving out. There is some real effort and care put into it, though; which has had me coming back to it all month out of appreciation. If anything, you'll be able to tell the difference now between when this band wants to do something legitimately cute and fun, and their old bait & switch routine. I can't help but respect a band that is constantly trying to redefine themselves, rather than play it safe in their niche.
No comments:
Post a Comment