music. only music, but music.
released 2019, warner music japan. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I hate that I forgot this was coming out (I even announced it, get it together Manabu!), but at last, the tofubeats cover of the sensational Mariya Takeuchi track from '84 has landed in my Apple Music library. What is there to say about a song that practically the... Continue Reading →
released 2018, 3T entertainment. I was practically in full on hype mode for Mariah's fantastic "Caution" last fall, that it was easy for me to let some great music slip through the cracks. Iyla Blue released the "War+raindrops" EP back in October of 2018, and I've only just gotten to experience it. Magnificent is the... Continue Reading →
released 2019, crush music. I'm normally a sucker for cover albums, but usually artists at least try to add their unique flavors to the songs they update.. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Weezer came out of nowhere with an album that plays it entirely too safe, with no real flavor amidst these cover... Continue Reading →
released 2019, avex. AAA member Shuta Sueyoshi releases another solo album that has its share of unique j-pop cuts, but suffers from a short length that left me wanting more (especially as his new single "Over Quartzer" is about to be released and wasn't featured on the tracklist.). What it lacks in length, it makes... Continue Reading →
released 2019, polydor. I have a bit of an up/down relationship with James Blake, sometimes I've been completely dazzled by his work and other times I've found myself straight up exhausted after getting through some of his work. I didn't know what to expect going into "Assume Form", his fourth full length offering, so I... Continue Reading →
released 2019, kanine records. Released on my 25th birthday, the debut Tallies album is remarkable, a dazzling hint of greatness and things to come from the infant band. There's no shortage of immediately memorable tracks, as the record hits you in the face with three back to back cuts (Trouble, Mother, Midnight) that don't miss... Continue Reading →
released 2018, u-desper records. Illustrious japanese shoegazers Coaltar of the Deepers return with the Rabbit EP, their first EP titled-after-an-animal in nearly 12 years! I'm sure you're wondering whether a new release from such a legendary force in the J-alt scene is a good starting point for beginning your dive into their discography (assuming you're... Continue Reading →
released 2018, moonbus records. Hailing from the picturesque Newfoundland, Youth's latest release "Unscathed", is an ideal soundtrack for a relaxing evening in. Perfect for studying, perfect for laying in bed alone and lost in pensive thought, and almost perfect in its production and ambition. "Outside Briefly" is a dream pop infused instrumental that has solemn... Continue Reading →
released 2018, dirty hit. One of my most anticipated album releases of the year, "A Brief Inquiry..." arrived after a lengthy campaign (that ended up giving us a third of the album as singles before the actual release, yikes) and months of buildup and expectations. I'll say that while it met mine [expectations], it is... Continue Reading →
Manabu Madix