Figure, the solo project of Tottori-based musician Masanobu Hasebe, provided one of the more pleasant discoveries of the year, a new 6-track release titled “Parakalein”. The EP, which was released in both digital and cassette formats by Kobe indie label, Sauna Cool, is the first release from figure in four years. It’s a collection of washed out lo-fi indie pop tunes, spread out in layers over a backbone of snappy electronic drums. “Parakalein” hits the sweet spot where indie pop and shoegaze combine – something that’s been both popular and perhaps a bit contentious among some bands but undoubtedly successful in the Japanese scene. While there’s not a bad track on the EP, “True Bosom” is the highlight of the release – a blurry mishmash of jangly melodies, synths, and reverb-drenched blaring guitars. The six-minute “Mary” is a more uptempo, melodic pop song with an ultra-catchy chorus. It’s some well-written, charmingly-produced dreamy melancholy from an artist that will hopefully get some more attention from here on out.
You can pick up “Parakalein” via Sauna Cool’s Bandcamp page. Cassettes are available, but limited to 100 copies.