Labels: rok lok
Review by: Dan Bennett
Dude Japan are a band that seem to improve with every release and the fact the initial demo was
of such high calibre must be a clear indication of where the band now lie. The progression since
said demo is impressive to say the least, from the static hiss of the indie pop to the fully fledged
Indie Rock present here.
Simple Living follows on from their split with Weed Hounds continuing a sound that is now fully
realised, ditching the 4 track in favour of a more refined studio approach. Not really a coincidence
for saying the ep was recorded during the same sessions.
Not only are there higher production values, but the song writing of the band has changed
dramatically, rather than carrying on the indie pop found on the demo, the band have ventured
out into more of an early 90’s indie rock sound. The whole ep is scattered with nods to the giants
of Indie Rock, opener The Seattle Freeze (has come to NY) comes to life with a verse I’d normally
associate with a band like Seam, whilst the Na Na Naaas of the later bridge lend heavily from
Scottish Indie Rockers Urusei Yatsura. Slacker Ballad Wasted & Unwanted also tips it’s hat to the
messy beauty of bands like Lou Barlow’s Sebadoh, a wonderfully fuzzy song that’s full of bum
notes and sloppy riffs that still manage to sound majestic.
Somehow Dude Japan has managed to encapsulate the sound of 90s Indie Rock in a mere 6
songs, something that can be considered no small feat in today’s climate and completely restores
my faith in modern Indie Rock. BUY IT.