Kinoko Teikoku is one of those indie bands that is under my radar. I posted about them before so check it out if you haven’t, just click on the tag. While I was in Tokyo two weeks ago, they released a full length album and I heard them being played in Tower Records. I didn’t realize they were releasing a new album, Fake World, so it was a pleasant surprise. I tried the album there (you can play the songs for most of the new releases at their booths). I couldn’t really concentrate since it’s filled with people walking about and I’m not the type able to focus when I’m surrounded with people. So I didn’t get a good listen back then. However I did notice some tracks that piqued my interest. I was planning to purchase this album but I wasn’t sure whether it’d be worth my money or not since it’s a band that’s relatively new to me. In the end, I didn’t get it.
On hindsight, after having sit down properly and listening to it on repeat (after returning from Tokyo), it would’ve been actually been a nice purchase.
The album opens with Tokyo which was their first promotional single. It didn’t leave much of an impression on me but I do like the explosive instrumentals every now and then which is something I’ve always loved from them. It has a tinge of their old sound that I can relate. I think the song really builds up well towards the end, the progressive rock is nice.
I think the 2nd track, Chronostasis is unique in the sense that I’ve never heard them work with this genre before. It’s very laid back, with minimal instrumentals, quiet and groovy track. I love her vocals a lot, well she has a very soothing voice anyway. A nice track to listen on a drive.
Virgin Suicide is a typical Kinoko Teikoku sound but it ended too fast. I wish it was longer. The buildup felt like it was abandoned just when it’s seasoned.
You outside my window is a track I like, probably my favorite. The instrumental is really catchy and everything flows fluidly. At some ways, it seems rather polished but in other ways, it still has that garage sound to it and their old flair so even if this is some sort of an experimental music, it works well for me. Guitar riffs in this song are worth mentioning.
Unknown Planet and 24 are just short instrumentals and they probably don’t serve much purpose in the album but at least they keep the mood going.
Aruyue is probably another one of those experimental tracks they’re trying on. It’s also pretty noticeable that this is the longest track at 6:39 min. The blending of background vocals are hauntingly beautiful, not only in this song but on most of their tracks. Aruyue is a slow track (but not a ballad) and fans might not like it a lot as compared to their older stuffs. However, I find myself enjoying this, even though it can be repetitive. I think it’d be nicer if it actually progresses into a louder chorus. Even then, the way she wails in the end drowned in the instruments, is quite something too. Reminds me of how Alanis sings (>.<)
Fake World is the title track and I have to say I didn’t see this sound coming. It’s like a country song with harmonica and whatnot. It’s not the kind of image I expect from them but it’s not bad actually. It’s just a short track so it probably doesn’t matter much. Last Day is another one of my favs. I look at it as the ballad of the album and suffice to say, it’s not only good but actually warm and deep, thanks to the guitar riffs and lyrics.
To pick up the mood again, they offered an upbeat track next. Shissho probably sounds rather generic pop/rock though. Still it did lift my spirit and I quite enjoy it. The last track Telepathy/Overdrive is another fast-paced track and I think I can totally imagine them just jumping around the studio and singing together for this. It gives me that kind of imagination.
Overall, I can see why people are saying they miss the old sound and that they’re experimenting in this album. On the contrary, I find myself really enjoying this album more so than their previous mini albums. So I guess this shows that their direction is something I’m looking forward to in the future should they continue down this road. Kinoko Teikoku may sound like they’re having some identity crisis with the mixture of genre in this album but I see it as an evolution that comes as you discover new music or sound. It’s their growth as well as a band. I look at it as a positive thing. So I don’t actually think they have gone downhill in any manner at all. The way they digress from their old sound in some tracks are very much welcomed actually.
Highlights: Chronostasis, Last Day, You Outside My Window, Aruyue, Tokyo
Score: 8/10
Ritsu no Jpop Land 