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.

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.

Winter - 'Someone Like You'

DREAM POP ROCK

Fun keys in the intro. A refreshing song with the right amount of dream-pop reverb'd vocals. This is a wonderfully layered song mixed and mastered by Nolan Eley.

Supreme Blue Dream. 2015.

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.

ARMS - 'Comfort'

POP ROCK

A popping snare and an acoustic guitar beneath cycling electric guitars. Interesting crystal-like synth sounds near the break.

From EP2 (2013) by Paper Garden Records.

Glass Pear - 'Summer'

ANTHEMIC POP ROCK

Lyrics spawn pleasant imagery. The violins add a refreshing layer to the meditative song. 

From Glass Pear (2012)

SAINT MOTEL - 'My Type'

ALTERNATIVE POP ROCK

Exciting music with a great sax+trumpet intro. Flirtatious lyrics with great dance elements. The whole EP maintains this excitement.

"I can't help myself but stare...I'm a man who's got very specific taste."

From My Type EP (2014) by Parlophone.

Part Time - 'Cassie (Won't You Be My Doll)'

NU WAVE POP ROCK

Lo-fi retro-synth chords pulsing with reverb guitars and snare snaps. Heavy 80's vibe.

I also recommend "I Wanna Take You Out."

From What Would You Say? by Mexican Summer.

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.

JD Samson & MEN - 'Making Art'

ELECTRONIC DEEP HOUSE INDIE POP ROCK

Sweet synthesizers and great electronic house drops paired with vocals. Great dance track.

"...the truth is right on our fingertips..."

From Making Art (2013).

STRFKR - 'Golden Light'

INDIE POP ROCK GAZE

Very chill synths with a heavy bass track. Inevitable grooving.

From Miracle Mile (2013)
Credits to @flouridechriss

Bandcamp

Hugh Cornwell - 'Totem and Taboo'

POP ROCK

A full voice well-matched with crunchy guitars and outspoken lyrics. #FunSong

From the album Totem & Taboo (2012)

James Supercave - 'The Right Thing'

ART POP ROCK, HIP-HOP

Electronic pop. Orchestral and soulful. Loving that voice range~

From The Afternoon (2014)

The Octopus Project - 'Sharpteeth'

POP ROCK, EXPERIMENTAL

In a pool of sounds. Including those from the Theremin. 

Also recommended "Mmkit" track for some kick*ss instrumental action.

From Fever Forms (2013)

Hands - 'Elegant Road'

INDIE POP ROCK

From Synesthesia (2013).

Also recommended (faster tempo) Brave Motion by Hands.

Hospitality - "Rockets and Jets"

INDIE POP, POP/ROCK

From the album Trouble.