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Japanese Music (Pop, rock and all 'dat) |OT|

V

Vard

Member
Gala said:
This song is awesome! Just bought their 2010 album on the german amazon store, but they didn't have the new one : /
Click to expand...
Glad you like them! You can't really go wrong with Stars in Video Game - do share your thoughts after hearing it. & that's too bad about Tempestas being unavailable - I take it it's not on the German iTunes Store either?
 
K

Kurita

Member
I think my favorite parts were the intro, Identity, Endless, Bach No Senritsu Wo Yoru Ni Kiita Sei Desu, and the one where they are all lined up with headphones and glasses (was it Documentary ?).
 
T

T.O.P

Banned
Kurita said:
I think my favorite parts were the intro, Identity, Endless, Bach No Senritsu Wo Yoru Ni Kiita Sei Desu, and the one where they are all lined up with headphones and glasses (was it Documentary ?).
Click to expand...

Yep, DocumentaRy (ext. version) then Identity
 
C

Celegus

Member
Nuklear said:
Does anybody else have a mancrush on Gackt? His music is so godlike and very diverse.

Tommy Heavenly6 and Gackt are my two favorite J* performers. M.O.V.E is up there too.
Click to expand...

Oh yeah, Gackt is serious mancrush territory. Easily my favorite singer ever.

Can't believe I never thought to look for a thread like this before. All I listen to is j-rock, so I'm subbing and expect to see more of me! I love discovering new bands if anyone has recommendations, but there's already a bunch from reading a few pages that I want to look up when I get off work.

For reference, some of my other favorites: Velvet Eden, Nico Touches the Walls, D'espairs Ray, The Gazette, Versailles, The Pillows, etc
 
K

Kurita

Member
Celegus said:
For reference, some of my other favorites: Velvet Eden, Nico Touches the Walls, D'espairs Ray, The Gazette, Versailles, The Pillows, etc
Click to expand...

[Champagne],
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9diDOTtnneY&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKWWZKKzRQ4

a flood of circle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7yfcQSfKPE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67qTqEs1h3U&feature=relmfu

The Predators (same vocalist as The Pillows)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJwhRhyaSbg&feature=share&list=PLB82A068E0C43FF35
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tUPT-1hcdo
 
X

XDDX

Member
C

Celegus

Member
Heh, this is gonna be fun browsing through the thread and listening to so much new stuff. How do you guys find / keep updated on japanese bands?

I can't believe I never heard of One OK Rock before, they seem huge. Super good too, like a slightly heavier version of Uverworld. Great music to workout or go running to.
 
K

Kurita

Member
Celegus said:
Heh, this is gonna be fun browsing through the thread and listening to so much new stuff. How do you guys find / keep updated on japanese bands?

I can't believe I never heard of One OK Rock before, they seem huge. Super good too, like a slightly heavier version of Uverworld. Great music to workout or go running to.
Click to expand...

Things like Tokyohive or Jame for the latest news.
If you're into rock, visit Jrock Explosion, sparkplugged to discover new bands.

ONE OK ROCK became really popular two years ago with the album Niche Syndrome.
They were not unknown before though, but clearly not as big.
 
C

Celegus

Member
Thanks I'll check those out! I'd love to be more current with the japanese music scene (or culture in general), since most of what I listen to is pretty old by now.

It's nice to see Miyavi is still making new music, especially collaborations which are always amazing. Can't remember the name of it, but the one he did with SUGIZO is a favorite.
 
I

Infinite

Member
*First post in this thread*

Just want to say first of all that Zazen Boys is awesome, Mukai Shutoku is a god and Stories is their best work since Zazen Boys II.


Man.

I had no idea that Mass Of The Fermenting Dregs had broken up till just today.

Sad news.
Click to expand...

They actually broke up since last year when Chiemi left but they've still been touring with support players. Chiemi had an emotional breakdown and then Yoshino left leaving Natsuko as the only member of the band.
 
K

Kurita

Member
I

Infinite

Member
Kurita said:
If people like small (well, not ultra mainstream), alternative rock band, these are some must-listen ones in my opinion :

Lostage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HArJufeHoVA

Ogre You Asshole
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNC7VusxNHs

Keytalk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eki5u-DhIjc

cinema staff
http://youtu.be/qXNDKiICsCU

birds melt sky
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlsF6JQxHkg

Suck a Stew Dry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2AXGVLb0OM

Hinto
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_SWfDs6vRk
Click to expand...

Hinto is crazy good. It's like Abe found a phoenix down and used it on Sparta Locals.

On the matter of alt rock bands I would add

Susquatch
http://youtu.be/cXoA1NGFLZc

He
http://youtu.be/a1Jo2vV_zJs

Nhhmbase
http://youtu.be/WmCZwYZ0lKo

Merpeoples
http://youtu.be/vUfWgOE_ePQ

She Her Her Hers
http://youtu.be/e3uUVDgKWqU

You guys should already know wbout Zazen Boys if not shame on you.
http://youtu.be/FXtI4zLSSaM

Some of these bands are pretty young but they show great promise. Zazen Boys and Susquatch is what I would consider must listens.
 
I

Infinite

Member
Kurita said:
A listened to She Her Her Hers like two weeks ago, they are pretty good.

Seriously, Japan has thousands of great young bands, that's amazing.
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They do, man

She Her Her Hers kinda reminds me of the pillows during the Happy Bivouac days for some reason. Their mini-album was pretty solid, can't wait to see what else they got up their sleeves.

EDIT : I really like Nhhmbase and Susquatch too, thanks for the links.
I'd also add :

Starboard
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pW6JurlIYA

Liaroid Cinema
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWUh2YwIxpo

perfect piano lesson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riPTdKTYT6A
Click to expand...

Perfect Piano Lesson is pretty cool.
 
G

Gala

Member
Vard said:
Glad you like them! You can't really go wrong with Stars in Video Game - do share your thoughts after hearing it. & that's too bad about Tempestas being unavailable - I take it it's not on the German iTunes Store either?
Click to expand...

Yeah it's just everywhere except germany and every Amazon mp3 store refuses to let me buy it because of regional restrictions. Guess my girlfriend has to send me the album. Do you know if it's available on vinyl?
 
M

Memento_Mori15

Member
I'm looking for some new japanese music since I'm getting a bit bored listening to the same songs. Anyone care to help me out?

1) I'm kinda looking for a songs with decent-good lyrics like Powder Snow(Konayuki) or the story you don't know(Kimi no shiranai monogatari). The latter I really like; a little story within a song. Spitz, Yuzu, and Suneohair had some songs that I really like and love their lyrics.

2) Does anyone know some really catchy japanese songs or good japanese pop? My playlist is filled with alternate rock and I would like something that could get me pumped up or make me wanna dance lol. I only like a few songs from Utada and Yuna Ito. I only have one song that does the job and that's Strobo Nights, the only Hatsune Miku song I like.

This thread does have some good alternate rock music though. I'm also glad someone mentioned te' in this thread; great band.
 
Zoe

Zoe

Member
Part of what made Hamasaki Ayumi so popular in the beginning was her lyrics. Aiko too from what I hear.

My favorite Koda Kumi song, Moon Crying, has really good lyrics too.
 
I

Infinite

Member
^ I swear I was getting ready to makes a Shoegaze appreciation post lol cool tunes, bro

I'm looking for some new japanese music since I'm getting a bit bored listening to the same songs. Anyone care to help me out?

1) I'm kinda looking for a songs with decent-good lyrics like Powder Snow(Konayuki) or the story you don't know(Kimi no shiranai monogatari). The latter I really like; a little story within a song. Spitz, Yuzu, and Suneohair had some songs that I really like and love their lyrics.

2) Does anyone know some really catchy japanese songs or good japanese pop? My playlist is filled with alternate rock and I would like something that could get me pumped up or make me wanna dance lol. I only like a few songs from Utada and Yuna Ito. I only have one song that does the job and that's Strobo Nights, the only Hatsune Miku song I like.

This thread does have some good alternate rock music though. I'm also glad someone mentioned te' in this thread; great band.
Click to expand...

Would help if you tell us what you already know.

Number Girl is pretty much legendary in the Japanese rock scene so I wouldn't be surprised if you came across them already but if you haven't check out Manga Sick Has pretty much what you're looking for in option one; catchy tunes and great lyrics.

for 2 I would right off the back recommend Kaela Kimura. Catchiest song you'll ever hear

EDIT: If you haven't heard a Perfume song then you need to get on that. Here!

I'll make a follow up post to this in a minute to more recommendations
 
M

Memento_Mori15

Member
Zoe said:
Part of what made Hamasaki Ayumi so popular in the beginning was her lyrics. Aiko too from what I hear.

My favorite Koda Kumi song, Moon Crying, has really good lyrics too.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the suggestion. Moon crying is exactly the type of song I'm looking for. I'm definitely going to get this song.

I'll definitely give Hamasaki a try.

Would help if you tell us what you already know.

Number Girl is pretty much legendary in the Japanese rock scene so I wouldn't be surprised if you came across them already but if you haven't check out Manga Sick Has pretty much what you're looking for in option one; catchy tunes and great lyrics.

for 2 I would right off the back recommend Kaela Kimura. Catchiest song you'll ever hear

EDIT: If you haven't heard a Perfume song then you need to get on that. Here!
Click to expand...
I wasn't really digging Number Girl.

At first I didn't really like 'Ring a Ding' but it's growing on me. I think I'll get it. As for perfume, didn't really like it. ^^;
 
I

Infinite

Member
Memento_Mori15 said:
I wasn't really digging Number Girl.

At first I didn't really like 'Ring a Ding' but it's growing on me. I think I'll get it. As for perfume, didn't really like it. ^^;
Click to expand...

Zlwlo.gif


I'm at a lost for words lol

What do you like then as far as pop is concerned? Would hate to post a bunch of stuff and all of them gets shot down :/

Try Sparta Locals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIWNadykBV8

Another pop rec I can make is Kyary
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLy4cvRx7Vc
 
D

Dynamite Ringo Matsuri

Member
Infinite said:
*First post in this thread*

Just want to say first of all that Zazen Boys is awesome, Mukai Shutoku is a god and Stories is their best work since Zazen Boys II.




They actually broke up since last year when Chiemi left but they've still been touring with support players. Chiemi had an emotional breakdown and then Yoshino left leaving Natsuko as the only member of the band.
Click to expand...
.

Really? You like Stories that much? I kinda thought it was a let down after 4. Especially given the insane gestation period of what is it now... 4 years? It wasn't bad at all, I was just expecting more. I dig Kimonos a lot more even. And I have a sneaking suspicion that Mukai will never outdo Sappukei and Num Heavy Metallic but that's something else altogether.

Don't visit this thread all that much but at least I share the same listening tastes with you and Kurita. I'm gonna check out Hinto since you namedropped Spaeta Locals. Always thought it was a shame that they fizzled out but better to go out with something like Leecher than a few more years of Baka Yarou. I don't think I could take them pulling a Weezer
 
I

Infinite

Member
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri said:
Really? You like Stories that much? I kinda thought it was a let down after 4. Especially given the insane gestation period of what is it now... 4 years? It wasn't bad at all, I was just expecting more. I dig Kimonos a lot more even. And I have a sneaking suspicion that Mukai will never outdo Sappukei and Num Heavy Metallic but that's something else altogether.
Click to expand...

I really liked Stories I thought it was tighter than 4 and their tightest album since 2. Every thing felt pretty uniform and no track was really out of place. 4 was pretty good but I felt it was uneven in terms of quality and sound. Kimonos is basically a spiritual sequel to Zazen Boys 4 so I can see why you like it. I enjoyed all three personally.

It's kinda unfair to hold Mukai to Sappukei and Num Heavy Metallic since those albums are like legendary and he hasn't really like even try to out do them. He consistently evolves and changes his sound and even then I think Zazen Boys 2 is pretty much up there with those 2.

Dynamite Ringo Matsuri said:
Don't visit this thread all that much but at least I share the same listening tastes with you and Kurita. I'm gonna check out Hinto since you namedropped Spaeta Locals. Always thought it was a shame that they fizzled out but better to go out with something like Leecher than a few more years of Baka Yarou. I don't think I could take them pulling a Weezer
Click to expand...

Yeah I was pretty sad about Sparta Locals break up too especially after they redeemed themselves with their last album and dropped that single. Hinto has the front man for sparta locals actually; Abe is still doing his thing.
 
M

Memento_Mori15

Member
Infinite said:
http://i.imgur.com/Zlwlo.gif[IMG]

I'm at a lost for words lol

What do you like then as far as pop is concerned? Would hate to post a bunch of stuff and all of them gets shot down :/

Try [B]Sparta Locals[/B]
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIWNadykBV8[/url]

Another pop rec I can make is [B]Kyary[/B]
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLy4cvRx7Vc[/url][/QUOTE]
lol, sorry.

Utada, Yuna Ito, Kokia, Supercell, BOA, and...that's about it. lol While I do like my Bump of Chicken, Remioremen, Suneohair, Yuzu, etc, I need something a little different from that. I'm looking for something upbeat, something like Keep Trying(utada), Mahaloha(Yuna), and that one Hatsune Miku song I like. I thought maybe pop would do it. Pop Rock would suffice since I do like Mr. Children.

I do like the latter a bit, it reminds me of a certain song... But that music video was...weird.
Click to expand...
 
I

Infinite

Member
Memento_Mori15 said:
lol, sorry.

Utada, Yuna Ito, Kokia, Supercell, BOA, and...that's about it. lol While I do like my Bump of Chicken, Remioremen, Suneohair, Yuzu, etc, I need something a little different from that. I'm looking for something upbeat, something like Keep Trying(utada), Mahaloha(Yuna), and that one Hatsune Miku song I like. I thought maybe pop would do it. Pop Rock would suffice since I do like Mr. Children.

I do like the latter a bit, it reminds me of a certain song... But that music video was...weird.
Click to expand...

Yeah her videos are usually busting with insanity. Glad you liked it though

Also Salyu x Salyu
http://youtu.be/DChoNWcIbLw
 
D

Dynamite Ringo Matsuri

Member
Infinite said:
I really liked Stories I thought it was tighter than 4 and their tightest album since 2. Every thing felt pretty uniform and no track was really out of place. 4 was pretty good but I felt it was uneven in terms of quality and sound. Kimonos is basically a spiritual sequel to Zazen Boys 4 so I can see why you like it. I enjoyed all three personally.

It's kinda unfair to hold Mukai to Sappukei and Num Heavy Metallic since those albums are like legendary and he hasn't really like even try to out do them. He consistently evolves and changes his sound and even then I think Zazen Boys 2 is pretty much up there with those 2.



Yeah I was pretty sad about Sparta Locals break up too especially after they redeemed themselves with their last album and dropped that single. Hinto has the front man for sparta locals actually; Abe is still doing his thing.
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Yeah at this point,I wouldn't mind at all if Leo Imai hopped on board ZB. I really dig his voice and loved Fix Neon and Laser Rain, such chill albums with great hooks. And NHM is one of my all time favorite albums ever so yeah, probably not fair to compare his other work to it. He's mellowed out a ton since getting married and a lot of that is reflected in Stories. There's no signature screaming or anything angsty about it. Potato Salad is dope as fuck though. I guess the entire album just sounded derivative of the albums that came before, and that hasn't happened before with ZB, every album from 1 to 4 sounded different, with Stories sounding like a hodgepodge of what came before. Hell, when Tengu came on, I half expected Mukai to yell, BRAIN CONSTRUCTION! It sounded so derivative lol So while maybe not a fair assessment of the album, its hard for me to not be let down after 4 years. I'll bet the thing sounds incredible live though, since they do a lot of ad libs and jamming

Re: SL - Worst thing is that I had a chance to seem them at Japan Nite in Chicago. They were there with Detroit 7 and I didn't go cause of work. They broke up shortly after. I curse myself to this very day over that. If they played Fly or Ougon Wave live that night, I will be forever depressed lol
 
R

RubyFaith

Member
Wow, I didn't know this thread existed.

Favorite artists

Kalafina
L 'arc En Ciel
Gackt
Miyavi
E-girls
Perfume
Koda Kumi
Nujabes...
 
I

Infinite

Member
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri said:
Yeah at this point,I wouldn't mind at all if Leo Imai hopped on board ZB. I really dig his voice and loved Fix Neon and Laser Rain, such chill albums with great hooks. And NHM is one of my all time favorite albums ever so yeah, probably not fair to compare his other work to it. He's mellowed out a ton since getting married and a lot of that is reflected in Stories. There's no signature screaming or anything angsty about it. Potato Salad is dope as fuck though. I guess the entire album just sounded derivative of the albums that came before, and that hasn't happened before with ZB, every album from 1 to 4 sounded different, with Stories sounding like a hodgepodge of what came before. Hell, when Tengu came on, I half expected Mukai to yell, BRAIN CONSTRUCTION! It sounded so derivative lol So while maybe not a fair assessment of the album, its hard for me to not be let down after 4 years. I'll bet the thing sounds incredible live though, since they do a lot of ad libs and jamming
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I totally see why you would say that but in the ways you thought Stories was derivative I thought it was polished and well executed compared to what proceeded it. For example Stories was basically a polished Sabaku. Also I have disagree with you on one thing Mukai himself thinks that ZB1 and ZB2 were basically direct sequels. I don't think those 2 sounded different from each other but they were both great and kinda better than his science projects with 3 and 4 (although those were good too)

Dynamite Ringo Matsuri said:
Re: SL - Worst thing is that I had a chance to seem them at Japan Nite in Chicago. They were there with Detroit 7 and I didn't go cause of work. They broke up shortly after. I curse myself to this very day over that. If they played Fly or Ougon Wave live that night, I will be forever depressed lol
Click to expand...
OMG! Dude I feel the same they performed in NYC before they broke up and I didn't get to go ;____:
 
K

Kurita

Member
One of my favorite indie bands, BIGMAMA released their new PV.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYL5a879U3k
Amazing.

Also, everybody should listen to killing Boy, formed by Hidekazu Hinata (Straightener and Nothing's Carved In Stone's bassist) and Riki Kinoshita (vocalist of ART-SCHOOL).
Their support members are Takanori Ohkita (Nothing's Carved In Stone's drummer) and Itō Shinichi (Sparta Locals and HINTO's guitarist) but it's as if they were part of the band now.
Their second album released this year is crazy good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx8To9SmtXc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3S1HPeIVeo&feature=relmfu
 
V

Vard

Member
Infinite said:
Yeah I was pretty sad about Sparta Locals break up too especially after they redeemed themselves with their last album and dropped that single. Hinto has the front man for sparta locals actually; Abe is still doing his thing.
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Actually Sparta Locals' lead guitarist Shinichi Ito is also in HINTO (not just Abe Kousei). Kousei's brother was the bassist in SL but I guess there was a slight rift with them as they're not playing together anymore. I haven't gotten into Hinto anywhere near to the level I got into Sparta Locals but that's sort of a given since SL were one of my favorite and most listened to bands last decade.

I was at their Japan Nite show in LA (last show of that tour, and it was awesome). Sadly no Ougon Wave which is definitely one of my faves too, but Shinichi did smash his guitar after playing Chaos and I got a piece of it somewhere still. *_*

Edit: also gotta say I am glad to hear people talking about Sparta Locals years after their breakup. They had some lukewarm albums in there, sure, but also some true classics and I would not have gotten into Japanese music as much as I have if it weren't for them. I remember when I first heard them; it was listening to "Oh!Good Life,No Good Life!" over the phone as a friend played it to me back in 2002... Crazy that it's been a decade.
 
X

XDDX

Member
OneEightZero said:
Any recommendation for songs/albums/artists that are easy to translate? I need practice.
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I find Sakanaction pretty easy to understand. The singer says things pretty clearly and slowly.

Monkey Majik also sing pretty clearly, but they do have a lot of english in some of their songs. You could give those a try.
 
K

Kurita

Member
OneEightZero said:
Any recommendation for songs/albums/artists that are easy to translate? I need practice.
Click to expand...

Maybe some pop artists like Perfume and whatnot, I don't really know.

Another band I forgot to mention is Uplift Spice, one of the few bands with a female vocalist I like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvR2Dv1fT0c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHcgR3lWZJk&feature=related

They are somewhat popular in France, their first concert outside of Japan was in Paris.
They sold out la Maroquinerie, that's just 500 people but for an indie band that's quite good.
 
M

Memento_Mori15

Member
OneEightZero said:
Any recommendation for songs/albums/artists that are easy to translate? I need practice.
Click to expand...
I say just pick a song you like and look up the lyrics and just try your best to translate it. That pop song that was posted( Ring a ding dong) is pretty easy and straight forward. I suggest レミオロメン. I think his songs are easy to understand and most are straight forward.

Omg, whoever posted Sakanaction, thank you. I just found a new band to listen to!
 
I

Infinite

Member
Vard said:
Actually Sparta Locals' lead guitarist Shinichi Ito is also in HINTO (not just Abe Kousei). Kousei's brother was the bassist in SL but I guess there was a slight rift with them as they're not playing together anymore. I haven't gotten into Hinto anywhere near to the level I got into Sparta Locals but that's sort of a given since SL were one of my favorite and most listened to bands last decade.

I was at their Japan Nite show in LA (last show of that tour, and it was awesome). Sadly no Ougon Wave which is definitely one of my faves too, but Shinichi did smash his guitar after playing Chaos and I got a piece of it somewhere still. *_*

Edit: also gotta say I am glad to hear people talking about Sparta Locals years after their breakup. They had some lukewarm albums in there, sure, but also some true classics and I would not have gotten into Japanese music as much as I have if it weren't for them. I remember when I first heard them; it was listening to "Oh!Good Life,No Good Life!" over the phone as a friend played it to me back in 2002... Crazy that it's been a decade.
Click to expand...

Yes of course, you're right.

Sparta Locals is one of my favourite bands, period. I still jam out to Sun Sun Sun (their best alum imo) to this day. It still burns me though that I never got to see them live.
 
K

Kurita

Member
Yeah I have to admit that Hikari wasn't that good, but I don't think they can make something better than Fanfare to Nekkyou.
This album was amazing imo.
 
I

Infinite

Member
Kurita said:
Yeah I have to admit that Hikari wasn't that good, but I don't think they can make something better than Fanfare to Nekkyou.
This album was amazing imo.
Click to expand...

Yeah. Andymori and Fanfare to Nekkyou were very solid but their two follow ups were not very good.
 
K

Kurita

Member
Not enough people listening to Nothing's Carved In Stone.
Amazing musicians to begin with.

Shinichi Ubukata was the guitarist of ELLEGARDEN one of the most popular rock bands before they broke up (it's my favorite band btw).

Hidekazu Hinata, no need to introduce him. Bassist of Straightener, Fullarmor, killing Boy, he was also in Zazen Boys and ART-SCHOOL.

Okita Takanori, drummer of Fullarmor and killing Boy.

And the vocalist, Taku Muramatsu. Oh boy, without a doubt one of the best vocalist at the moment. Beautiful and powerful voice. I love it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqIoZr8j9cU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WVl_ZtLNoE&feature=channel&list=UL
And they are great live !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzunbJfmsUc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGzDnTVnxow&feature=related


Their first album was good but since their second album, Sands of Time, they keep blowing my mind.
They released their fourth album this year, Silver Sun (making their major debut). It's like they took everything that made their previous albums good, and put it in this one.
 
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