Audio Impressionism with Shugo Tokumaru
Shugo Tokumaru’s music is audio Impressionism; the listener is subject to drips and drops as opposed to the movement of comprehensive layering (which has become pervasive in “rock music” since the advent of the electric guitar). More similar to the melodic organization and embellishments of Architecture in Helsinki, than the somewhat discordant excesses of Hot Chip, Shugo Tokumaru’s music is just beyond the familiar. That is not to say it is unrecognizable – it is not – and perhaps that is why is it so charming.
The combination of his playing style and airy vocals set a specific pace for most of his songs. I would go as far as to call this pace his signature; but, more interesting than any technical analysis is the way his music evokes the workings of a “Pitagora Suitchi” [also known as a "Rube Goldberg machines" in America, or as a "Heath Robinson" contraption in Great Britain]. This may do well to explain the fact that his music sounds “successful,” not in sense of having popular exposure but rather in the sense that it works perfectly within its own internal matrix. His cover of Pete, Bjorn, and John’s “Young Folks” exemplifies this point exceptionally well as it sounds like it actually contain samples taken from these wonderful contrivances.
Exit, his latest album, was released in Japan through P-Vine Records, in October 2007 this was followed by Almost Gold re-released Exit to international audiences in September 2008.
