Mikeru On Japanese Music Today

Spitz is not the first name that comes to mind when I think of Japan's greatest bands. Nor is it the second or third or fourth or fifth. But were I asked to name my favorite bands, Spitz would rank very high on the list. The band doesn't so much inspire fervent screaming, but smiling content with music that always feels comfortable, fresh, and down to earth. Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, Spitz feels like an old friend, a well-worn armchair that I'm all too happy to sink into.

Spitz's new single Gunjyou ("Navy Blue") embodies the band's ability to be cheerful and wistful at the same time. With its distinct rhythm and pronounced guitar, the uptempo melody has a laidback, playful atmosphere, underlined by a subtly catchy composition and the calming, harmonizing vocals that make all of Spitz's songs so listenable. The lyrics are oddly meaningful, using the imagery of splashing waves to illustrate the miracle of the present, the desire to return to simpler sentiments, and the hope of embracing tomorrow. Side track Yuuyake ("Sunset") is a mellow and moody offering, a balance of light and heavy - is the sunset so beautiful it's sad, or so sad it's beautiful? Kusano Masamune's clear and high vocals slide smoothly and expressively over the drum beats and meandering melody, which comes complete with a guitar riffing climax, reminding that Spitz is a rock band.

Perhaps what I like most about Spitz's music is how it never tries to grab attention with fancy distractions, but rather flows unassumingly from note to note, song to song, resting comfortably on the ears and in the mind. The band knows how to approach music with a light heart, and that's why they've been able to connect with listeners all these years. Here's to another twenty.