Shugo Tokumaru – Exit
October 11th, 2008 | Published in Reviews
Exit embodies much of the positivity and airiness associated with a sector of Japanese music that includes artists like Takagi Masakatsu, Kazumasa Hashimoto and Tatsuhiko Asano. Harmonicas, handclaps, guitars and numerous other sound makers form Exit’s aural tapestry. Organic and mechanical sounds combine to yield something that’s not only quintessentially human, but a celebration of humanity itself. The songs sound like animated toys at play with their inventor, each playing off the strengths of the other to create something rooted in child-like curiosity. The album never devolves into pretense and the songs remain cohesive without becoming monotonous. Despite the language barrier, Tokumaru’s playful singing and infectious optimism need no translation.
Review by Olaolu Jegede.
