It’s entirely possible that CHAI has been having more fun than anyone else in rock, Japan, or even the world for the last few years. Each of their albums, Punk, Pink, and now Wink, is pop-punk / electro perfection and all of them are brimming with positivity.
Wink continues the trend and starts a new one for the band – collaborations. Ric Wilson, YMCK, and Mndsgn all appear on the album to join the fun. The first track, “Donuts Mind If I Do” is a song about aging gracefully and eating donuts. What’s not to like (especially with that Earth, Wind & Fire-like groove)? “Maybe Chocolate Chips” (featuring Mr. Wilson, whom they met at Chicago’s Pitchfork Music Festival) posits the theory that a birthmark on your body might be a tasty treat.
“It’s okay. Everything is okay.”, CHAI sings on “ACTION” – a sharp dance track inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement that lets us know that we can change dour circumstances by, if nothing else, getting up and deciding to do something. The electro-bass slides into near-goth industrial territory for a great effect. Speaking of dancing, just keep at it during “END” – a bouncy, dance-punk cut with the band yelling “Shut up!” at their doubters and haters and throwing in rap verses because they damn well can.
“PING PONG” (with YMCK), with its video game sounds and aerobic workout beats, is one of the best dance tracks of 2021 and is a song about playing ping pong after spending a day at a spa. The world needs more songs like this, not to mention a day at the spa. I beg to differ with “Nobody Knows We Are Fun,” a song in which CHAI claims no one realizes they’re cool and worth inviting to the party, because (as I mentioned earlier) CHAI are having more fun than 90% of the planet.
“It’s Vitamin C” has a bit of a slow-jam groove to it as “It’s good for you, it’s good for me, it’s good for the body,” they sing, and I have a feeling that their lyrics about orange juice are a metaphor for…ahem, something else. “IN PINK” (with Mndsgn) blends electro-pop with P-funk. The lazy beat of “KARAAGE” is hypnotic and, let’s face it, sexy.
“Miracle” has some thick bass to go along with its booty-shaking beats and sunshine lyrics. “Wish Upon a Star” is another R&B-like jam with soft organ tones and subdued beats. The closer, “Salty,” is about fond memories – sometimes rediscovered through food (one of CHAI’s favorite subjects).
Wink is a bit stripped-down compared to CHAI’s first two records, but is no less fun than them. As always, CHAI deliver uplifting music when we need it most.
Keep your mind open.
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[Thanks to Jacob at Pitch Perfect PR.]
