Search - Shakalabbits :: Clutch

Punk/Pop/Rock/Ska Alchemy

Michael P. Havens | Shirahama, Japan | 06/10/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Here is a Japanese band who likes to shake it up-musically. Shakalabbits (The meaning escapes me) is one of those bands who stays on the fringe of the J-pop music scene but also manages to break from the trite, tired melodiess (you could take the words from many J-pop songs and fit them to any melody you want, and they'd be a perfect fit),which is why the four stars. They do this somewhat in their Sophmoric effort, but also does interesting things musically and inroduces Punk/Ska elements which creep up from time to time(I hear Ska and Punk are becomming increasingly popular in Japan. For years, Punk has grown a big following) Uki, who's dyed auburn hair makes her seem like a perfect J-pop pin-up girl, is decieving, for it's not cuteness that drives her singing, but a voice that at times shows attitude, perfect for the Punk sensibilities, such as 'Monster Tree' illustrates. With titles like 'Can't Escape The Chocolate Syrup', they may seem a little on the Shonen Knife side of things, but musically (And partially due to Uki's voice), they are more in the tradition of the now broken Pop-Punk stars Judy and Mary.
My favorite song? I really like 'It's Our Secret'. Great Ska fun, and reminicent of grooves found in Cherry Poppin' Daddies (Who started their career as a Ska band and not as a Swing band, as many think). Also in the same vein is 'Pivot', a mix of Pop-Punk and Ska. And don't turn off your CD Player, for there is a hidden little jam session at the end.
Something seperate from the mundane J-pop, which is getting more and more prevelent lately. You might be suprised with this one. I"m anxious to hear how they'll mature and grow as a band in later efforts. Let's hope they continue in this direction and not get lost in the "cutsey" pop found literally littering the radio waves here in Japan."