Make Believe Mailer 54: Bandcamp Friday Special November 2022
Got deadlines and haven't slept, so a little smaller this time
I used to write a feature for OTAQUEST rounding up some Japanese recommendations for Bandcamp Friday. I’ve decided to keep doing that for the remaining installments of this campaign. Here’s the November 2022 edition…featuring some just-arrived charmers.
Owing to deadlines and general lack of sleep, this addition will be a little tighter, especially when it comes to blurbs. Sorry, one of those weeks!
Tsudio Studio — My Room
Kobe’s Tsudio Studio struts their pop writing credentials in full force on their third album. The details that made this Kansai project stand out from the get-go remain and continue to be refined — digitally altered vocals, crystalline synth melodies nodding to the past without becoming too fixated on it, sweet sweet sax — but it’s the way he continues to find ways of utilizing guests that really elevate this one. Regional compatriots Neibiss slide hip-hop neatly into his bedroom symphony on “After Awas,” while former Especia member goes under a layer of electricity to add spark to “Promise Of Summer.” Alongside some fun diversions — “Airport Reggae” certainly delivers on that name — My Room underlines Tsudio Studio’s contemporary take on timeless sounds. Get it here.
Guchon — Super Deluxe
I write this every month now but…Guchon doesn’t miss. Dude is on a scalding hot streak, and once again he’s come through with a set of songs showing off his sonic variety…which you might miss just getting swept up in the euphoria. This is a four-piece of house rush, hitting particular highs when Guchon nails pure giddiness with some gags (“Weekend Starter,” flecked by some a voice going “beep boop”). Another hit. Get it here.
i-fls — Contemporary
Aching memories and rave outs in the most unlikely places (“Piano”). Also includes some of the bigger curves from i-fls in recent memory — just check out the wobbly electronics of “Slogan,” which still find a way to deliver an emotional uppercut. Get it here.
Hajime Tachibana — “Beauty 2022”
Former Plastics member offers fittingly jittery solo number that teases sing-a-long joy but ultimately chooses something more off-kilter. Also includes cameo by Keigo Oyamada on guitar (Cornelius), which might be the biggest surprise here. Get it here.
Various Artists — NC4K Collection Vol. 4
Kyoto’s finest dance label returns with another sampler mostly celebrating the local scene. Alongside familiar NC4K names, names such as Limited Toss — who I’ve always associated with indie-pop-leaning label Second Royal Records — pop up to show an even wider snapshot of the city’s current sound. Get it here.
HASAMI Group — Parco No Shometsu
Long-running wonk-pop project HASAMI Group is back, and aren’t slowing down yet. This one goes big on synthesized beats and a sense of melancholia, and one I’m excited to spend more time with. Get it here.
Tobokegao — TOBOX
Longtime chiptune creator returns with 12 8-bit bouncehouses, with friends in tow. Get it here.
effe, ido, Moyoyo Miyazawa And tacho — Girl 2
Bedroom beats, Vocaloid touches and a sense of calm that is inviting without ever feeling too much like homework. Get it here.
Jiyugaoka And Sangatsu — Try Out
Not gonna lie, haven’t had a chance to listen to this one yet, but gets included thanks to Local Visions’ strong history of picking winners. Get it here.
COR!S — “ROOM303”
Pulls you in with delicate electronic shimmers in the first half, hurls you against a wall in the back end by going full acid. Get it here.
The Mari On The Beach — Songs titled my girlfriend (or not)'s name
Man, this was a trip to see. Osaka indie-pop project The Mari On The Beach put out some delightful, sunny-day songs like ten years ago and then vanished. Now, they are suddenly back with a more contemplative set. Always happy to see an old musical friend get back to tinkering. Get it here.
Told you it would be fast this time, sorry! Share your favorites in the comments!
Written by Patrick St. Michel (patrickstmichel@gmail.com)
Twitter — @mbmelodies