The Japanese rock band's sixth album has the band in a celebratory spirit and a cheery mindset. Playfully trying new ideas with all the fun and joy that comes with it, Jodeki is tricot's most euphoric, exciting and loose record yet. Once again, tricot show why they're Japan's most exciting rock group.
If you haven't been paying attention to the math/alternative rock scene from overseas over the past decade or so, then you might not be familiar with a band called tricot. Let me fill you in! tricot is a Japanese based rock group consisting of three original members Ikumi "Ikkyu" Nakajima on guitar and lead vocals, Motoko "Motifour" Kida on guitar, Hiromi "Hirohiro" Sagane on bass, and newer member Yusuke Yoshida on drums. The band have been together for over a decade providing a blend of noisy and rhythmic guitars over some sweetly sung pop hooks, often over odd time signatures. The group's energetic signature sound hasn't changed at its very core but has morphed into something newer and fresher with each new release. Each record is extremely enjoyable and consistently great. I would say that tricot are one of the most consistently solid guitar bands over the past decade. I've been into tricot's music for a few years now and have enjoyed every release thus far. With every new album I've been wanting to review at least one of them on this blog. I've included a handful on my year-end lists but unfortunately I've just let them slip past me like many other releases I've been wanting to cover in review format each year. It happens. This time I'm not going to let this new one pass me! The stars have finally aligned for me to finally review a new tricot album and this time it's a very special one.
Jodeki, which is Japanese for "good work," is the band's sixth studio album, following up their previous albums Makkuro and 10, both released in 2020. Released toward the tail end of last year, Jodeki has some pretty stellar singles leading up to its release such as "Dogs and Ducks," "KAYOKO," and "WALKING." It's safe to say I was pretty excited going into this new album and it's safe to say that after listening, I'm very overjoyed to say that this is one of their best albums yet... it might even be their best! As expected from some of the teaser singles, Jodeki is the band's most vibrant, colorful, and playful record to date. If I had to label this, it would be tricot's party record. I would also describe it as summery, which I never thought I would consider a tricot album to be. The four seem to be having fun as usual but even more than ever this time. On all of these songs, even on the slower and more melancholy ones, they sound like they are in a celebratory spirit and a cheery mindset. The adorable album art of the lead singer Nakajima's pet dog (adorably named Wicket) is a great visualizer representing my mood when I'm listening to it. Be expected to dance, bang your head, or air guitar... or all three at once.
Jodeki is their most varied album with newer sounds and many bells and whistles to listen in on. There are new effects added on vocals, different (jammier, funkier) effects on guitars and pedals, and added synthesizers and electronic embellishments across the album's 12 songs. You can start to hear the new experimentation on the opening track "TALK," which has these shimmering vocal harmonies and fluid guitars flowing in and out of your eardrums, shifting toward a harmoniously light and celebratory introduction for what's to come. "BAKURO" is an enjoyable throwback of sorts with abrasive guitars reminiscent of early 2000's punk rock songs, similar to that of UK bands like Bloc Party. "INAI" might be the most abrasive and noisy song on the album with an explosive delivery in its chorus. "Tissue" is one of the slow burning tracks that gracefully takes it time with no rush in its relaxed pacing. The harmonies and melodies during the chorus is fantastic and is for sure one of the most moving moments on the record. Lead single "KAYOKO" took a bit of time to grow on me with its tense buildup towards yet another fantastically catchy chorus. Like "Tissue," It's one of the breezier moments on the album; it's one to put on while you're having a picnic or walking in the park on a sunny day.
Arguably the best song on the album is "WALKING," which is one of the albums other leading singles. I say arguably because it's extremely difficult to pick just one favorite but "WALKING" has a good case going for it. The fiery delivery of Nakajima's vocals over the jammy guitars and pulsating electronics make it one of tricot's most diverse and funkiest tracks yet. The buildup towards the ultimate climax at its chaotically explosive finish is absolutely incredible and rewarding with each new listen. This song has the most personality and charisma on the album. This will become a new fan favorite at shows for sure, if it already isn't. "Dogs and Ducks" is another highlight with and sharp emphasis on Sagane's bass playing. It features the complex and layered guitars along with bright harmonies that will light up the whole room. Yet another huge highlight is "SUPER SUMMER," a raging rocker that screams to be blasted during the hot, sweat drenched midsummer night. I change my mind: this one is the most abrasive and noisy song on the album. You can hear the most fun and enjoyment through the band's nonstop performances: shredding guitars, rapid fire drumming, vocal deliveries where they don't even feel the need to stop and take a breath.
The album's last few tracks are still rewarding and stand up strong with the others before them. "Night monster" is a five and a half minute slow burning ballad that's one of the prettiest moments here. "Hitoyasumi" has some of the most ear-grabbing guitar licks while "Itsumo" is a classic tricot guitar-drenched banger. The album's closing title track is super fun and charming by sampling the Jodeki dog's cute barks and a bouncy instrumental of swirling guitars and playfully chanting backing vocals. These many charming and charismatic moments make Jodeki tricot's most unique and best listening experience yet. We've come a long way from their debut album T H E back in 2013; tricot sound as reinvented and reinvigorated as ever. The production is crisp, warm, bright, vibrant, detailed, and packs a punch. The performances are stellar while the band themselves sound as loose as ever too: meaning that they aren't as tightly wound, resulting in the band's risks paying off tremendously on this album. Playfully trying new ideas with all the fun and joy that comes with it, Jodeki is tricot's most euphoric, exciting and loose record yet. I'll call it and say this is the band's best album yet and I cannot wait for what's next! Once again, tricot show why they're Japan's most exciting rock group.
My Rating: 8 / 10
Favorite Songs: "WALKING," "SUPER SUMMER," "Tissue," "KAYOKO," "Dogs and Ducks," "TALK"
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