Home Made Kazoku ('Home Made Family') was a Japanese hip hop trio of DJ U-ICHI and vocalists Micro & Kuro, both of whom spent much of their youth living in the United States. Most of their work is a mash up therefore of English and Japanese vocals. From 1996-2001 they had a former member (HOZE) before their commercial success as a trio, notably gaining much of their notoriety contributing to anime themes like Bleach and Naruto.
'Mainichi ga Eiga no you na Hitokoma ～Life Is Beautiful～' released in 2002, and I'm not positive whether or not HOZE is featured on this, but I'm assuming he was as the album has a prevalent and extensive group rapper dynamic (couldn't find the features listed but some tracks sound like as many as five MC's). They had one album released previously ('H.M.K.U.'), with the two being their only independent albums.
The group is known for their upbeat and positive stylings of hip hop, and it could be said that this album potentially sounds like a younger and more aggressive version of what their later commercial albums became; the hip hop thread ran throughout their career, but following this album there is a noticeable difference in approach, incorporating more layered pop aesthetics and singing which are all but absent from their independent releases.
This album is incredibly solid front to back, with each vocalist bringing their own flavor to the mix. I go back to this album all the time and it still amazes me how new and different it sounds both in 2002 as it does today.
The group went on indefinite hiatus in 2016, noting that from then on out the three members would pursue solo careers.
'The wait is over, our third full-length is called 'Pure' and will be out next spring via Temple of Torturous (Valborg, Imperial Triumphant, Atavismo). Full-track previews, official release date, pre-orders and shows in support of 'Pure' will be announced very soon, stay tuned!" Really excited for this new release from Spain's Adrift (or adrift), crazy to realize that their 2nd album 'Black Heart Bleeds Black' came out all the way back in 2012. All they have up right now is a teaser for the album but this is one worth keeping tabs on through their Facebook for any updates, but I'll try to post their announcements too when more surfaces.
Hanetration is a solo artist from Cornwall, UK. He makes ambient/electronic/drone with a very cinematic feel, through (IMO) his very tasteful sprinkling of percussion. He also mixes the three with an even keel and understanding, giving equal vibes of dark and uplifting, often shifting from basic tribal drums, to frenzy IDM-friendly beats, all while splicing them between the occasional wind instrument and sped up vocal chatter. The drone isn't as prevalent (mostly the opening track), but it's there -- as is the brief experimentation with glitch effects at the end of the third track. All in all this EP has a lot going on for four short tracks, and at 20 minutes long you'll probably fill in the blanks. Check out his bandcamp (full of free goodies) and Facebook for news on his upcoming releases. Artwork by Tommy Nease:
tommynease.tumblr.com
Italy's Bongley Dead have come a long way since sending me their demo, made evident by their new full length 'Undici'. While admittedly in my opinion there's some rises and falls in quality, it's inevitable to pick favorites and filler in the robust 17 tracks. Even with that said -- every track on this is miles beyond their #3 demo, which already showed a running start. Continue to follow where they go next @https://soundcloud.com/bongley-dead & Facebook.
Free album release courtesy of Virgin Babylon records (world's end girlfriend/Kashiwa Daisuke...) for their newly signed solo artist Laxenanchaos. Have only had a chance to hear the opening track "Bruce Lee" but really enjoyed it, and the sound and style feels right at home with the flavorings of Virgin Babylon. Album art by mieze
www.mieze018.net
Oh hey -- I'm late to the party (again) on another fantastic DANGERS album. Every output from this band is always my next favorite release, and 'The Bend in the Break' is no exception. Thoroughly enjoyed this start to finish, you probably will too! Show some support at their Bandcamp/Store/shows, yea? You can't go wrong with anything in their discography.
Latest single from the wonderfully weird Ungdomskulen of Norway. This single has been out since January, but I haven't been able to find out much about a new album/EP to go with it...can assume one is on its way soon. Can get the single at iTunes or Spotify (everyone uses that right?) or check out the video below.
