Atsuko Chiba. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, you’ve been doing things wrong; it’s been a few months since we told you to listen to them and, if you haven’t already, you really ought to. No, no. Right now. OK, welcome back! If the taste of the latest release is still on your tongue and you yearn for more of that magical blend between post rock, funk, pop-punk and all sorts of goodness, rejoice! The band released a new track last night and announced a new EP, to be released next month! Let’s get to the track first.
You can listen to it here. “Tidings” is the last track on the new EP, Figure and Ground, and it’s the same delicious mix that I described above. Opening with a super yummy bass line that carries the entire thing forward, the faint balance between post rock and plain rock n’ roll is expertly maintained, giving this track a nice edge that’s hard to define. Quickly, the staple vocals are introduced, a half-rap that reminds me of olden days in the best ways. In addition, check out that sweet, sweet synth line near the end of the track, ushering in the outro where, surprisingly, the vocals take on a slightly harsher tone before the track abruptly ends.
We’ve managed to sneak a listen of the other two tracks on the EP, and they’re just as great, continuing their fascination with the tension between ambiance, build up and release, over several tracks. Make sure to keep your eyes out for Figure and Ground, coming on March 15th. The best place to go for it, and all their other excellent releases, is on their Bandcamp. Don’t sleep on this; these guys are excellent.