Country : France / Japan Label : Specific Genres and styles : Indie Rock / J-Pop Year : 2020

Japonismes: Playlist confinement La face cachée

· by Rupert Bottenberg

French label Specific split their efforts between indie rock from their hexagonal homeland, and a discerning selection of titles licensed from Japan. The Japanese aversion to digital music sales, and their minimal efforts at marketing abroad, makes labels like Specific a vital source for Western fans of J-pop and Japanese indie rock.

To cheer the rest of us up, or perhaps just to keep themselves occupied in lockdown, the folks at Specific have assembled this anthology showcasing their Japanese signings. Dig in, you’re bound to find at least one act that merits a degree of loyalty on par with that of the famously faithful Hachiko, whose Shibuya Station statue graces the cover art here.

The material ranges from the archetypal, over-eager candy-rock of Passepied’s “Tokyo City Underground” and the prim rap of Wednesday Campanella, probably the biggest star of this bunch back home, to the thrash-kawaii of Necronomidol (Babymetal’s big sisters, basically), and the noisy assault of “Suki Suki Daisuke” from subversive anti-idols Bis Kaidan.

The strongest moments are the stirring “Riot” from Haru Nemuri and the commanding “George” from the super-cool Charisma.com – two acts whose albums on Specific are specifically worth investigating.

Latest 360 Content

Montreal Anti Jazz Police Festival – Day 2

Montreal Anti Jazz Police Festival – Day 2

Shaina Hayes and her Kindergarten Heart

Shaina Hayes and her Kindergarten Heart

David Binney – In The Arms Of Light

David Binney – In The Arms Of Light

Chauffeur et Parlak – “The Napoli Run”

Chauffeur et Parlak – “The Napoli Run”

Arlo Parks’ infectious, festive melancholy at the Beanfield.

Arlo Parks’ infectious, festive melancholy at the Beanfield.

Charles Lloyd – The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow

Charles Lloyd – The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow

Montreal Anti-Jazz Police Festival at URSA – Day 1

Montreal Anti-Jazz Police Festival at URSA – Day 1

Piano Symphonique | Julia Mirzoev, Braden McConnell & Antoine Rivard-Landry

Piano Symphonique | Julia Mirzoev, Braden McConnell & Antoine Rivard-Landry

Single of the Day: Magick Brother & Mystic Sister “The Hierophant”

Single of the Day: Magick Brother & Mystic Sister “The Hierophant”

The Bolokos – feat. Fanswa Ladrezeau – Kouté Pou Tann

The Bolokos – feat. Fanswa Ladrezeau – Kouté Pou Tann

Real Farmer – Compare What’s There

Real Farmer – Compare What’s There

Simon Leoza – ACTE III

Simon Leoza – ACTE III

Opera McGill Presents Semele: An Ambitious Evening with the Gods

Opera McGill Presents Semele: An Ambitious Evening with the Gods

In Pursuit Of Repetitive Beats Experience Strives for Human Connection through VR

In Pursuit Of Repetitive Beats Experience Strives for Human Connection through VR

Daymé Arocena – Alkemi

Daymé Arocena – Alkemi

Extra Time – Where Is The Light

Extra Time – Where Is The Light

Martha Wainwright about her new jazz festival

Martha Wainwright about her new jazz festival

Félix Dubé Trio – Impermanence

Félix Dubé Trio – Impermanence

Thomas Dybdahl – Teenage Astronauts

Thomas Dybdahl – Teenage Astronauts

Buzhold – What It Meant?

Buzhold – What It Meant?

Yoo Doo Right – The Sacred Fuck EP

Yoo Doo Right – The Sacred Fuck EP

Residente – Las Letras Ya No Importan

Residente – Las Letras Ya No Importan

Subscribe to our newsletter