Piece Comment

Review of Japancakes: Ambient Chamber Country


Awesome. Japancakes' name had been familiar to me, but the band's music was not. As of now, count me a fan. The tone of the piece is informed but not esoteric, taking what could be a little alienating (country-shoegazer rock music) and making it sound palatable, and mostly, beautiful. I was especially excited to hear that the band has made an exacting rendition of the album Loveless, by My Bloody Valentine--one of my all-time favorites. The group's monumental song "Only Shallow" is here presented in an intimate version, on what sounds like a slide guitar. That's why covers exist: to show new depth in old favorites. Good stuff!