V.A – I Want to Tell You (2017)

Yuzame

• J-pop 
• Electro-pop 
• Electronic pop 
• Shibuya-kei 
• Acid pop 
• Synth-pop 
• Autotune

Comment: it is a joyful listening session in the vein of Japanese pop music with clear hints at childish progressions and exaggeratedly ecstatic pop numbers. It seems to sound to me in that way but it is not derogative comment by my side at all. I like sparkling dynamics with these 8 tracks are surrounded from atop to the very bottom. Even if some of these used to meander in a more silent way. Acidic grooves and bubbling synths come to the forefront to support high-pitched vocals. At times those vocals chime as if doll-alike robots were there to fill singing duties. Nostalgically I can remember for all the times while spending my time watching anime movies. It undoubtedly represents an otherworldly world for a Westerner. The amusing issue is a part of the discography of Yuzame-label. And within it there are up such artists as Rekanan, Mysteka, Mecanika, coralmines, Yunomi,ミスミ, 歩く人, and 市瀬るぽ. 

Batsu – GRΣΣT (2015)

Yuzame

• Electronic pop 
• J-pop 
• Poptronica 
• Digital funk 
• Hi-NRG
• Hip-hop 
• Rap
• Electro pop 
• Remix

Comment: this is a 6-notch of contemporary (electronic) music with distinct Japanese pop influences. It is not surprising because J-pop had absorbed influences from Western music during many decades. Batsu conveys galvanized Hi-NRG/electro pop, subtle digital funk and downbeat-inflected electronic pop and not so drawn-out electronica to us with childish and young female-induced high-pitched vocals. The latter element is very on its own by the Japanese side. Eventually the whole chimes exotic and familiar at the same time. That’s very accepted. By listening to it this evokes ambivalent sensations in me while thinking of such artists as Merzbow, Hanatarashi, KK Null, The Gerogerigegege who are being known as representatives of the Japanese harsh noise scene. Indeed, Japanese music is being known by its contrasts, at times exquisite, at times sublime, at times harsh, at times stoned, at times seductive. In a nutshell, Batsu`s patchwork-alike issue is exquisite, sublime, and seductive getting inspiration both from dance floor-based entertainment and higher aesthetical, artsy aspirations. The issue is a part of the discography of Yuzame label.