Official HIGE DANdism - 'SWEET TWEET'

POP ROCK

Nicknamed "Higedan" which translates to "bearded man" this band has a fun obsession with mustaches. The band members where cute mustache bow ties. 

This 2015 song hooked me because of Satoshi Fushiwara's vocals. They are bright and energetic. 

The track includes thick and heavy piano chords. But it's balanced with the light melodies and solo tones from Daisuke Kosasa's guitars.

Masaki Matsuura's drums are solid. His kick and snare tones actually sounds perfect for this style. I particularly like the auxiliary percussion of triangle in the chorus. It reminds me of Two Door Cinema's implementation of their triangle to add energy.  

After checking out some live performances, I noticed and admire bassist Makoto Narasaki's dance moves. Clearly his enthusiasm is translated onto the track adding funky tones to this dance-able song. 

2019 Higedan is also "amazing". I'll later talk about their wonderfully produced album Traveler. Then you'll get the pun. (Hint: track 3)

From  ラブとピースは君の中. LASTRUM Music Entertainment Inc. 2015.

From Love To Peace Are In You.  Official髭男dism. 

kutsushita - 'Mushroom Dream'

POP ROCK

It's Japanese for "socks". You don't need synths to sound this pop-y. The album is playful, sweet, and full of intention.

The lo-fi quality gives the song a laid back vibe. Combined with the deliberate and sweet vocals, kutsushita sounds like a band that just wants to jam out and say a couple of things on stage.

Turns out they made a music video involving races in a pink world.

Twitter

from きのうみたゆめ (Mushroom Dream). by DIW by diskunion. 2016.

Superorganism - 'Something For Your M.I.N.D.'

ART POP

Ear candy. You'll be pleasantly surprised with every playful sound samples. It's interesting how the sound samples paint a picture and also help color certain instruments. 

The vocals are charmfully monotoned.

Listen with headphones to catch every sonic element. Which sound effect is your favorite?

from Superorganism By Hostess by Domino Records. 2016.

Chook Race - | Around The House |

GARAGE POP ROCK

Melancholic state! This album is peppy with opposing melancholic lyrics. The female vocals add happy tones. The ad libs encourage sing-alongs. Go ahead. Sing-along. 

 I recommend "At Your Door" and "Lost the Ghost".

from Around the House. by Tenth Court and Trouble In Mind Records. 2016.

And Summer Club - 'In Your Bed'

lo-fi pop rock

A sweet song formulated by reverbed guitars and distant vocals. Sounds fuzzy.

And Summer Club EP. Ikiume Records. 2015.

Ex Cops - 'White Noise'

ALTERNATIVE POP ROCK

High energy bouncing. Instrumentally, the track adds full instrumental tracks on top of on another. And the fierce vocals will have you pushing for more.

Daggers. Downtown Records. 2013.

Post Modern Team - 'I Just Wanna Make Love To You'

ELECTROCLASH POP

Dance track with funky guitars.

I also recommend an early indie pop rock track, Heartbreak.

From Japan - the country, not a record label.

Babes - 'Isn't It Love'

POP ROCK

Melancholic sound to the end-of-summer melancholy. The track includes sweet vocals accompanied by a soft acoustic guitar. A lazy guitar, keys, and drums sneak in...eventually.

From Babes (2014) by Harvest Records.

De Lux - 'Make Space'

ELECTROCLASH, POST-DISCO POP

Funk all around.

From Voyage (2014) by Innovative Leisure

Bad Books - 'Forest Whitaker'

INDIE ROCK

From II (2012). Has a pop tone to it as well. Apparently a "second collaboration between singer/songwriter Kevin Devine and Andy Hull of Manchester Orchestra."