Shonen Knife – Osaka Ramones (Review)
Shonen Knife Osaka Ramones Review by Jen Wang Shonen Knife occasionally plays Ramones tribute shows, and their original music has drawn many Continue 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.
Mika Nakashima – Hatsukoi (Review)
Mika Nakashima Hatsukoi Review by David Cirone “Hatsukoi,” the opening theme from the new Japanese film Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu, is a great sContinue reading…
Bloody Monday – Episode 2 (Review)
BLOODY MONDAY Episode 2 Review by David Cirone The shopping mall gas bomb is revealed to be a fake, used to measure Third-i’s response tacticContinue reading…
Mio Soul – Review + Interview (2012)
Mio Soul Interview by Jen Wang November 17th, 2011 (originally published on purpleSKY.com) Tokyo-born songwriter Mio Soul makes her debut wiContinue reading…
Hemenway – URAHEME Welcome to the Other Side (Review)
Hemenway URAHEME Welcome to the Other Side Review by David Cirone Hemenway’s members collectively speak three languages, but you can add 1 moContinue reading…
Aki Akane – DRAGONFLY (Review)
Aki Akane DRAGONFLY Review by Nhu Nguyen Not even a year has gone by and Aki Akane is already out with her second album, titled Dragonfly. TContinue reading…
Bloody Monday – Episode 1 (Review)
BLOODY MONDAY Episode 1 Review by David Cirone Bloody Monday wants to be 24 really, really badly. Fans of the Kiefer Sutherland’s thriller seContinue reading…
SpecialThanks – Campanula e.p. (Review)
SpecialThanks Campanula e.p. Review by David Cirone SpecialThanks 5-song ep “Campanula e.p.” is a fun, 14-minute treat to hold fans over betwContinue reading…
FUDANJUKU – OTOKO (Review)
FUDANJUKU OTOKO Review by David Cirone From “Kaze Ikki’s” opening chorus of “FUDAN-DAN-DAN-DAN-FUDANJUKU!” the group’s blend of strength and Continue reading…
DAZZLE VISION – EVOLUTION (Review)
DAZZLE VISION EVOLUTION Review by David Cirone DAZZLE VISION’s previous album SHOCKING LOUD VOICE showcased the the band’s heavy-duty screamoContinue reading…