Pess - You Can Make Hamburger Yourself

by Julie Cruickshank

published: 23 / 12 / 2021

Label: Aagoo Records
Format: LP

Pleasingly quirky debut from Japanese pop-rock duo Pess.

Review

Pess, a duo from Tokyo, met online in 2019 through a mutual love of the band Citrus, part of the Japanese 1990s subculture Shibuyakei. Then the Covid pandemic hit, and consequently the two did not meet in person until some time later. Singer Haruka and arranger Mitsuomi have combined their songwriting and musicianship talents remotely to produce their debut album, memorably titled‘ 'You Can Make Hamburger Yourself'’. The opening title track is melodic pop-rock infused with whirls, whoops, and other weird and wonderful electronic noises. It is almost as though one is being drawn along a street in the vibrant Harajuku area of Tokyo, being assailed from all sides by lights, colours, and random noises. Mesmerizingly immersive, this is a great song. Second track ‘Dream Spin’ has the feel of a Wurlitzer wrapped around a snappy pop song. The vocals have a lovely, warm, rich tone; indeed throughout the album. Haruka’s voice being wonderful to listen to. ‘Roller Coaster’ gets down to the business of a more straightforward pop-punk feel. ‘ Wind of June’ has a laid-back, jazzy groove, saxophone sounds surrounding layered vocals. ‘Throw it Away’ has a ’90’s, slightly discordant synth-pop feel. ‘You Can Make Hamburger Yourself’ is a spirited and inventive debut from Pess, another great addition to Japan’s flourishing music scene.