[WORLD GROOVE] Currently listening to tokyo pinsalocks - Planet Rita

BAND: tokyo pinsalocks

ALBUM: Planet Rita

DISTRIBUTED BY: JapanFiles.com

DURATION: 29:57

Released in Japan on March 26, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE (Japan)

On JapanFiles.com (English)

1. Antena
2. Circle
3. cosmic groove
4. Ajito “Rita”
5. Wolf and Sheep
6. ideal cosmos
7. Airport

The electronic trio known as the tokyo pinsalocks are back with their new album titled “Planet Rita”.

The all female band which consists of members Naoko (vocals, keyboards), Hisayo (bass) and Reiko (drums and programming) was first formed back in 2000 and released their first maxi single “Pedicure” in 2001.

With several releases and performances at major music festivals such as “Rising Sun Rock Festival” and “World Indies Festival”, the group made their first major tour outside of Japan in 2007 with a seven city-tour throughout England.

Now the group will take their music to America with two major performances in Boston and New York.

In March 2008, the band will make their live US debut at Anime Boston and a performance at the Knitting Factory in New York.

Having enjoyed the “Plutonium E.P.” which I downloaded from JapanFiles.com, it was pretty cool to know that the group would release their new album “Planet Rita” at the end of March.

To describe their music, the first thing I have to do is separate them from various Japanese musical groups such as the PINE*am, Cibo Matto, Buffalo Daughter and give an identity to them and their music and really, try to avoid any comparisons.

The trio’s musical identity lies within their surreal, eletronic heavy usage of keyboads, addicting bass line and a drummer.

A little bit of dabble of analog synth, progressive 60’s music, in a way, you have to admire the freestyle playing of their music and at times, makes me even wonder how certain songs would even sound live.

In the previous album “Plutonium EP”, there was some experimental music , for example with the electronic sounds of “Plutonium ‘07″ which more or less is a familiar sound of their music, the track “so far so fine”, was an interesting song because it featured some really messy, thrashy guitar playing and was very cool for being the sole track that was different.

For “Planet Rita” not too much experimental like the “Plutonium E.P.” but nevertheless, they manage to stay within their comfort zone. Keeping with the addictive bass line for many of the songs on the album, rhythmic drum playing but also the often singsong style of Naoko. Earth, whimsical and relaxing.

I will say that I found myself listening to the tracks and thinking of Naoko’s vocals, as more of the balance between the instruments. The vocals do not stand out, they compliment the keyboards, the bass and the drums.

As for the overall vocals, there are songs sung in English and songs sung in Japanese. Songs such as “Circle” and “Ajito ‘Rita’” which are in English are easily understandable and pronunciation was just fine.

All in all, “Planet Rita” is relaxing and calming.

The tokyo pinsalocks are nowhere angsty, really no surprises but mainly staying within the confines of beautiful music that you can listen and groove to.

Actually, when I was listening to the songs, for some reason, I often thought about how certain songs such as “Circle” and “Cosmic Groove” would be very cool on a video game. It had that Katamari Damaci, fun style to it.

Then you have songs such as “Wolf and Sheep” which had an interesting take of lyrics and had that Pizzicato Five - Nomiya feel which I enjoyed.

And then, you have a song such as “Airport” which was dreamy and surreal.

So, I guess, the best way to describe tokyo pinsalock’s latest album as being on cloud 9 - delightful, calming, and whimsical.  But yet, experiencing a beautiful yet surreal ride around a planet called Rita.