It seems like we say this every year, but 2015 has been another great year for Japanese music across a wide range of genres. We’ve seen promising newcomers and long time favourites bring their A-game this year, making it pretty tricky to narrow down the top picks for the year. But after much consideration and half-arsed debate, here’s our pick for the top 5 albums of 2015.
#5 Crystal Lake ‘The Sign’
As the years have gone on, Japan’s metalcore heavy hitters are starting to harper the attention of listeners overseas. First we had Crossfaith, then Coldrain, and now Crystal Lake seem to be the next hopefuls for the international stage, and with an album like The Sign, it’s easy to see why. Relentless from beginning to end, and with more drops than a UPS driver, this LP serves as the perfect introduction to a band that’s sure to make waves globally in 2016.
Label: JPU Records | Release date: 09/10/2015
LINKS: Official Website | iTunes | Amazon.co.uk
#4 Yoshida Ichiro Untouchable World ‘Apanda’
Zazen Boys bassist Yoshida Ichiro took us by surprise with Apanda, a neat 40-minute package that showcases his eccentric style, bringing together aspects of 80s synth-pop, hip-hop, and a touch of noise. Mellow beats, groovy guitar, funky bass, and Yoshida’s easy listening vocals come together to create the must listen chill album of last summer.
Label: Matsuri Studio | Release date: 13/05/2015
LINKS: Official Website | iTunes | Amazon.co.uk
#3 ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION ‘Wonder Future’
Like a fine wine, some bands just get better with time, and though I can’t say that’s the case with ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, they certainly haven’t lost what made them a household name for nearly two decades. Wonder Future doesn’t stray far from the formula of past LPs, and nor should it. Simple beats, catchy tunes, and fist pumping riffs are the staple of a good alt rock album, and this one has ’em in spades.
Label: JPU Records | Release date: 06/11/2015
LINKS: Official Site | iTunes | Amazon.co.uk
![[Alexandros] ALXD](https://i0.wp.com/electricbloomwebzine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/2ALEXANDROS.jpg?ssl=1)
#2 [Alexandros] ‘ALXD’
These guys are a hard band to pin down. One moment they’re sending off Oasis-esque Brit rock vibes, the next they’re laying down metal shreds and pop punk riffs, but all while delivering a sound that is undeniably their own. ALXD is a light-hearted LP that doesn’t take itself too seriously, with [Alexandros] (previously [Champagne]) obviously having fun with this one, but with frontman Yoohei calling it their “masterpiece” (check out the interview for more), it’s hard to imagine where they’re going to take their music next.
Label: Wrasse Records | Release date: 10/07/2015
LINKS: Official Website | iTunes | Amazon.co.uk
#1 WANIMA ‘Are You Coming?’
When WANIMA announced they were going to be releasing their first album in 2015, straight off the bat we knew it was going to be a scorcher. This melodic hardcore outfit have been ticking all the boxes with every release since joining PIZZA OF DEATH back in 2014, and Are You Coming? is no exception. Groove tracks, mosh tracks, and skank tracks, executed with the top class charisma and finesse that WANIMA have made a name for themselves with. It’s the high-octane feel good album of the year, and our top pick of 2015.
Label: PIZZA OF DEATH RECORDS | Release date: 04/11/2015
LINKS: Official Website | iTunes | Amazon.co.uk
HONOURABLE MENTIONS OF 2015
never young beach Ken Yokoyama
‘YASHINOKI HOUSE’ ‘SENTIMENTAL TRASH’
Release date: 13/05/2015 Release date: 02/09/2015
Label: Bayon Production Label: PIZZA OF DEATH RECORDS
Get at: iTunes | Amazon.co.uk Get at: iTunes | Amazon.co.uk
FACT BiSH
‘KTHEAT’ ‘Brand-new Idol Shit’
Release date: 04/03/2015 Release date: 27/05/2015
Label: maximum10 Label: WACK
Get at: iTunes | Amazon.co.uk Get at: iTunes | Amazon.co.uk