A Closer Listen
WaqWaq Kingdom gets waquier and waquier on Hot Pot Totto. Given their propensity for wordplay, we’re confident they won’t mind the pun. This still-crazy Japanese “minyo duo” is just as bizarre as ever ~ if this were not apparent from the cover art alone ~ yet their third album also brings a dose of reality, as it is dedicated to the climate crisis. “Ottotto” is the word for almost falling, but then regaining one’s balance, a positive spin on the situation Planet Earth is in right now; the “pot” refers to the duo’s melting pot of styles, heavily percussive and global, a wild cross between Missy Elliott, Tom Tom Club and The B-52s. Yes, there are lyrics ~ a rare instance on our site ~ but the music is so wild and experimental that we felt compelled to share it.
Take for example the dojo-esque beginning of “Bad For My Soul Good fFor My Ego,” whose title is one of the album’s earworms. The track soon breaks into tribal percussion and chants, which are themselves electronically treated; then a breakdown that incorporates sounds like the popping of a cheek. The track ends with the tolling of a gong, an over-the-top measure that only makes sense in context. Or the rapid-fire single “Hakke Yoi,” with vocoder vocals, whoops and mallet instruments.
WaqWaq Kingdom draws from all nations and influences, hand-picking whatever sounds catchy and fun, with a clear preference for colorful percussion. If we didn’t already know, we’d be hard-pressed to identify their nation of origin. “Religion Surfer” extends on this theme, beginning with gongs and continuing with bubbles. The singer muses about returning to bad habits, making them seem fun, though there’s only “one chance, one more,” and Jesus is coming; although if he arrives at the end of the song, he’ll be crashing a Rastafarian party.
Every few years we ask this question: why isn’t more pop music like this? We already know the answer: with any luck, it will be. WaqWaq Kingdom is the type of artist who pushes pop music forward by challenging its placidity. The sheer number of unique touches in these songs gives them an instant appeal, while the theme makes the music timely. As the frequency of extreme weather continues to increase, it’s easy to be down on humanity. But even those who work for climate stability can use a “Hashtag Smile” to get through the day. WaqWaq Kingdom leaves listeners with a little extra energy, just when it is needed. (Richard Allen)
Fri Sep 15 00:01:42 GMT 2023