101A – Traveler in Room Zero (Review)
101A Traveler in Room Zero Review by David Cirone 101A starts Traveler in Room Zero with the relaxed, drifting “Swallowtail,” a dreamy and reContinue reading…
Category: Reviews
Critical analysis of the sounds and stories shaping modern Japan. From the visceral energy of live rock, pop, and idol performances to the subtle mastery of award-winning manga and deeply personal films, our reviews offer an expert lens on the craftsmanship, production, and cultural legacy of Japanese media.
Yoko Yazawa – Bad Cat (Review)
Bad Cat Yoko Yazawa Review by David Cirone Powerhouse pop-punk vocalist Yoko Yazawa always brings her A-game, but the heavy production on titContinue reading…
Pinky Doodle Poodle – Pinky Doodle Poodle (Review)
Pinky Doodle Poodle Pinky Doodle Poodle Review by David Cirone Pinky Doodle Poodle has always been about bait-and-switch: a wolf of a band hiContinue reading…
Budo Grape – Amsterdam (Review)
Budo Grape Amsterdam Review by David Cirone Budo Grape’s latest release Amsterdam delivers the journey promised by its album art, sending tContinue reading…
exist†trace – Spiral Daisakusen (Review)
exist†trace Spiral Daisakusen Review by David Cirone exist†trace’s new single “Spiral Daisakusen” is bound to divide fans. The all-femaleContinue reading…
Space Battleship Yamato (Film Review)
Space Battleship Yamato Review by Jen Wang The live-action adaption of the classic anime, Space Battleship Yamato, has all the potential to beContinue reading…
Gacharic Spin performs new songs “Winner” and “Beauty and the Beast” at Tekko 2014
Photos by David Cirone All-female J-Rock band Gacharic Spin treated fans to an early performance of their new song “Winner” at Pittsburgh’s TekContinue reading…
SoundWitch – Romanesque (Review)
SoundWitch Romanesque Review by Dave Cirone SoundWitch’s new album Romanesque is one of the tightest industrial rock albums I’ve heard in yeaContinue reading…
Rookies – Episode 5 (Review)
ROOKIES Episode 5 Review by David Cirone SUMMARY The first practice game begins, giving the Nikogaku team a chance to show the results of alContinue reading…
DAZZLE VISION – FINAL ATTACK (Review)
DAZZLE VISION FINAL ATTACK Review by David Cirone With their latest album, FINAL ATTACK, DAZZLE VISION has finally unleashed Full-Metal MaikoContinue reading…