Creating their own niche and their own definition of “cute,” Japan’s CHAI are making great music to go with their aesthetic of “Everyone is adorable / beautiful / great in their own way, no matter what society and Madison Avenue may tell you.”
Their newest album, Punk, is a fun mix of post-punk, electro, J-pop, and other things that are difficult to define. Opener “Choose Go!” encourages all of us to embrace our inner power (and that phat bass line). “Get power fresh feeling!” they chant on “Great Job” – a salute to the power of housework and simultaneously a slap in the face to its drudgery. “I’m Me” sums up CHAI‘s philosophy as they sing, “Everybody’s wonderful.” amid bright synths and and lovely pop hooks.
“Wintime” is another lovely pop tune and “This Is CHAI” combines what sounds like anime music themes with Devo-like drumming and fuzzed vocals to produce one of your new favorite rave tracks. “Fashionista” is their rocking push-back against fashion culture and the burdens it puts on many of us who fall into its trap. It’s one of my favorite singles of the year. “Family Member” is another tune that lifts your spirits immediately upon hearing it. The handclaps encourage you to move along with them and the “wave your hands in the air” nature of it is unavoidable.
The cymbals on “Curly Adventure” seem to come at you from every direction, but never to the point where they overwhelm you or the song. “Feel the Beat” is good for both lazy bike rides and a spin bike workout, your choice. The build-up of its bright synths and lifting vocals is a pretty combination. “Future” starts off with Gary Numan-like beats and synths and CHAI singing about following dreams for a brighter future.
It’s a good goal for all of us. Following dreams, even ones we had as children, can be enriching. Enriching the self increases our ability to enrich others. In this day and age, there’s not much more punk than that.
Keep your mind open.
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