yungatita - 'Armchair'

 SYNTH POP ROCK

You must listen to this one live. 

But let's first talk about the recording. It's wonderful and ambient. You can really hear the layers happening in the production. My god, the synths are beautiful. The introduction truly warms you up to the flurry of dynamics the chorus brings.

Okay. Let's talk about hearing this live. I first heard this song a couple of months ago at The Midnight Hour and adored the vocal performance from lead singer Valentina. It's a fierce delivery of lyrics that cry intense conviction behind every syllable. 

And all of this is amplified by the rest of the band's energy. Everyone was bopping on stage and so were members of the audience. 

yungatita shows continue to get more energetic each time I see them. Bands, take note and start learning how to string your songs together. (also see Beyonce's Homecoming) 

Check out some of Valentina's art here: https://www.instagram.com/tweakersynapse/

From Armchair single. 2022.

Official HIGE DANdism - 'SWEET TWEET'

POP ROCK

Nicknamed "Higedan" which translates to "bearded man" this band has a fun obsession with mustaches. The band members where cute mustache bow ties. 

This 2015 song hooked me because of Satoshi Fushiwara's vocals. They are bright and energetic. 

The track includes thick and heavy piano chords. But it's balanced with the light melodies and solo tones from Daisuke Kosasa's guitars.

Masaki Matsuura's drums are solid. His kick and snare tones actually sounds perfect for this style. I particularly like the auxiliary percussion of triangle in the chorus. It reminds me of Two Door Cinema's implementation of their triangle to add energy.  

After checking out some live performances, I noticed and admire bassist Makoto Narasaki's dance moves. Clearly his enthusiasm is translated onto the track adding funky tones to this dance-able song. 

2019 Higedan is also "amazing". I'll later talk about their wonderfully produced album Traveler. Then you'll get the pun. (Hint: track 3)

From  ラブとピースは君の中. LASTRUM Music Entertainment Inc. 2015.

From Love To Peace Are In You.  Official髭男dism. 

kutsushita - 'Mushroom Dream'

POP ROCK

It's Japanese for socks. You don't need synths to sound this pop-y. The album is playful, sweet, and full of intention.

The lo-fi quality gives the song a laid back vibe. Combined with the deliberate and sweet vocals, kutsushita sounds like a band that just wants to jam out and say a couple of things on stage.

Turns out they made a music video involving races in a pink world.

Twitter

from きのうみたゆめ (Mushroom Dream). by DIW by diskunion. 2016.

Chook Race - | Around The House |

GARAGE POP ROCK

Melancholic state! This album is peppy with opposing melancholic lyrics. The female vocals add happy tones. The ad libs encourage sing-alongs. Go ahead. Sing-along. 

 I recommend "At Your Door" and "Lost the Ghost".

from Around the House. by Tenth Court and Trouble In Mind Records. 2016.

Winter - 'Someone Like You'

DREAM POP ROCK

Fun keys in the intro. A refreshing song with the right amount of dream-pop reverb'd vocals. This is a wonderfully layered song mixed and mastered by Nolan Eley.

Supreme Blue Dream. 2015.

And Summer Club - 'In Your Bed'

lo-fi pop rock

A sweet song formulated by reverbed guitars and distant vocals. Sounds fuzzy.

And Summer Club EP. Ikume Records. 2015.

Ex Cops - 'White Noise'

ALTERNATIVE POP ROCK

High energy bouncing. Instrumentally, the track adds full instrumental tracks on top of on another. And the fierce vocals will have you pushing for more.

Daggers. Downtown Records. 2013.

Post Modern Team - 'I Just Wanna Make Love To You'

ELECTROCLASH POP

Dance track with funky guitars.

I also recommend an early indie pop rock track, Heartbreak.

From Japan - the country, not a record label.

ARMS - 'Comfort'

POP ROCK

A popping snare and an acoustic guitar beneath cycling electric guitars. Interesting crystal-like synth sounds near the break.

From EP2 (2013) by Paper Garden Records.

SAINT MOTEL - 'My Type'

ALTERNATIVE POP ROCK

Exciting music with a great sax+trumpet intro. Flirtatious lyrics with great dance elements. The whole EP maintains this excitement.

"I can't help myself but stare...I'm a man who's got very specific taste."

From My Type EP (2014) by Parlophone.

Y LUV - 'Jacques Cousteau'

ALTERNATIVE INDIE ROCK

Bass line beauty with squealing guitars. Raspy yet clear vocals demanding more from life. Quite liberating.

Part Time - 'Cassie (Won't You Be My Doll)'

NU WAVE POP ROCK

Lo-fi retro-synth chords pulsing with reverb guitars and snare snaps. Heavy 80's vibe.

I also recommend "I Wanna Take You Out."

From What Would You Say? by Mexican Summer.

Babes - 'Isn't It Love'

POP ROCK

Melancholic sound to the end-of-summer melancholy. The track includes sweet vocals accompanied by a soft acoustic guitar. A lazy guitar, keys, and drums sneak in...eventually.

From Babes (2014) by Harvest Records.

JD Samson & MEN - 'Making Art'

ELECTRONIC DEEP HOUSE INDIE POP ROCK

Sweet synthesizers and great electronic house drops paired with vocals. Great dance track.

"...the truth is right on our fingertips..."

From Making Art (2013).

STRFKR - 'Golden Light'

INDIE POP ROCK GAZE

Very chill synths with a heavy bass track. Inevitable grooving.

From Miracle Mile (2013)
Credits to @flouridechriss

Bandcamp

Hugh Cornwell - 'Totem and Taboo'

POP ROCK

A full voice well-matched with crunchy guitars and outspoken lyrics. #FunSong

From the album Totem & Taboo (2012)

The Octopus Project - 'Sharpteeth'

POP ROCK, EXPERIMENTAL

In a pool of sounds. Including those from the Theremin. 

Also recommended "Mmkit" track for some kick*ss instrumental action.

From Fever Forms (2013)

Hands - 'Elegant Road'

INDIE POP ROCK

From Synesthesia (2013).

Also recommended (faster tempo) Brave Motion by Hands.

Hospitality - Rockets and Jets

INDIE POP, POP/ROCK

From the album Trouble.