Step of Yakul into this week’s issue of Shibuya’s Scrambled Sounds !

Hi everyone, I hope you had a nice week. New year means new single playlist so check out all the tracks I’ve been into so far this year in the playlist 🤭

This week’s episode includes:

Reviews of the best new albums that came out recently
*with some exceptions

Genre: Experimental Hip-Hop
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube

AKKOGORILLA is the pseudonym for Akiko Ikeda, a female rapper who is relatively new to the Japanese Hip-Hop scene. While all of the tracks I had heard from her previous releases (first album in 2016) were what could be best described as… mid, this album is the first of hers that feels like it has a consistent vision and is also not afraid to push some boundaries.

With her earlier material, it felt like she was trying to prove herself as a rapper to the sea of both veterans and fellow newcomers out there. However this time, she decided to take a back seat (for the most part) and just let the beats assist with her story telling. This means that the beats on this album are what steal the show. Listen to Track 8 and tell me that beat doesn’t go hard as hell, plus the M.I.A. influence is apparent and I love it.

Speaking of influences, Ikeda is not afraid of showing off her love for her heroes. Literally the album starts off with her referencing the rhythm of “VOLCANIC DRUMBEATS” by Denki Groove. This album also features so many collaborations, with nearly every track having a guest.

With lyrics like “why is life even worth living” this album is very… edgy. There are also tracks that honestly kinda get on my nerves. However, when this album hits, it hits so hard and other than those moments it’s just too solid to hate on it.

Rating: 🥧🥧 Oh that’s hot

Favorite Tracks: 2, 6, 8, 9, 11

Genre: Noise Pop, Indie Rock, Psychedelia??
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube

I don’t believe I’ve talked about Shinsei Kamattechan yet, but their output in the early 2010’s is legendary. Not 10/10s by any means, but 2 albums and an EP that are all 3 decent 8s, basically the equivalent of a 3 ½ pies for me.

While they haven’t put out any bad albums yet, none of their albums since have quite hit the consistency that their first output had. Unfortunately, this album is a continuation of that trend. Over half the songs on this album play with various genres and concepts, and while I respect that they want to try different sounds like on Track 9, the non-noisy production completely throws me for not just one loop, but two whole loops ahahah *doing my best The Count from Sesame Street impression.

However, there are great moments sprinkled throughout the album. Track 2 and 16 both sound exactly like their classic sound and are of the same level of quality (must listens). All you Attack On Titan Season 4 fans should know Track 4. I don’t watch anime as much as I used to, but wow what an amazing piece of art, anything that rips off Evangelion is okidoki in my book, but I digress.

There are honestly some annoying tracks on this album as well, but the fact that Shinsei Kamattechan are still one of the most unique bands in Japan helps make this an entertaining listen.

Rating: 🥧 Pretty warm

Favorite Tracks: 2, 7, 13, 16

An older album you should check out

Genre: Vaporwave-Pop, Indie Idol, City Pop-Inspired
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube

I’ve mentioned this album a few times over the past year that I’ve been doing this newsletter, but I haven’t talked about it in depth yet. I think this is one of those albums that seemed like a novelty when it came out, but has aged nicely, now being considered one of the most influential albums for the entire underground idol scene.

You know how Baby Metal exists? And all the other “tee hee cute girls doing noisy weird genres” like ・・・・・・・・・, etc? You could probably argue that it all started here. Idols over vaporwave-inspired R&B tracks? That’s a weird ass concept but it works.

Watch the music video for “No1 Sweeper” to get a taste of EVERYTHING that this album is bringing to you. While I am not a fan of idol music and honestly the cutesy vocal play offs is the biggest downside of this album, you have to admit the backing tracks are absolutely amazing.

I love that there’s also a very small hint of a Punk aesthetic to Especia’s early releases. Taking idol music, a genre that was at it’s commercial peak at that time and making it a little “weirdo” is pretty anti-Capitalist. I also love the live versions of “We are Especia” (not on this album) where they are all clearly shouting in English “What’s my motherf*cking name”. Not because of them being “badass” by saying that or anything, but just how goofy it is to hear this group of young girls saying that at a concert.

Far from being a perfect album, but definitely be sure to check out my favorite tracks from this one.

Favorite Tracks: Bay Blues, 4, BEHIND YOU, 7, No1 Sweeper, 13, 14

Some good EPs that recently came out

Genre: Electronic Pop, Indie Rock
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube

Here’s where you find the newest hottest singles on the planet from Japan

For Spotify and Apple Music, check out the official playlists!

Playlist Links:
Spotify
Apple Music

*Too many adds this week, just check em out why don’t ya!
Also these are the new 2025 lists 😉

As always, thank you thank you sooooo much for reading this issue of Shibuya’s Scrambled Sounds! 🥹

See ya next time! Breakfast is ready.

Here’s a hint for an announcement that is coming up soon 🤭