Tokyo's Coolest Sound

arcorhyme, the new unit of Takanami K-tarō (ex-Pizzicato Five) featuring Nishimura Ikuyo (ex-devbacc), finally has some CD releases coming up! In January we will be treated to not one but two albums! The first, "amai hibi ~la douce vie~", is recorded in studio with a real band, and will include songs such as the previously released title track and "Koiny Baby", and also a cover of Carol King's "Snow Queen". The second, "Soundmatic Brain", appears to be programmed techno-pop inspired from new wave and 80's kayōkyoku.

The all-star recording band members list will give shivers to any hardcore Pizzicato Five fan! It includes drummer Miyata Shigeo (the "5th member" of P5, who has played with Original Love), Suzuki Tomofumi (aka Chibun, ex-Portable Rock) on guitar, Nakahara Nobuo (also Portable Rock) on bass, and Nakayama Tsutomu (Sony-era P5 support musician, who has also played with Original Love) on keyboards.
Guest musicians will include the fascinations' vibraphonist Watanabe Masami, Kawaguchi Yoshiyuki (Kuricorder Quartet) on harmonica and conga, and Kon Naoya (The Swinging Boppers) on trumpet, Kuniyoshi Seiji (veteran keyboardist recently playing with Kojima Mayumi).

The programmed album will also feature a few guests, such as Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, Sally Soul Stew) on bass, Nakamori Yasuhiro (Hicksville) on guitar, Matsumoto Kenichi (Original Love) on sax, and Nakayama Tsutomu on keyboards.

arcorhyme "amai hibi ~la douce vie~"
アルコライム 「甘い日々 ～la douce vie～」

1. Do you believe in Magic? (cover of Lovin' Spoonful)
2. Rough Sketch
3. aoi neko
4. Snow Queen (cover of Carol King)
5. Charade
6. Never Fall In Love Again (cover of Southern All Stars)
7. Koiny baby
8. amai hibi ~la douce vie~
9. Soundmatic Information

Arcotone ARTO-3390
Out 1/23, ¥2300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Pre-order at arcorhyme.com (Japan only)

arcorhyme "Soundmatic Brain"
アルコライム 「サウンドマティック・ブレイン」

1. Front
2. tsukiyo no hōseki ~Les Bijoutiers du Clair de Lune~
3. Shadow Tail
4. Don't you believe in Magic?!
5. Strawberry Decadence
6. kodoku na Beach Boy
7. fukigen na shinjitsu
8. You Really Got Me (cover of The Kinks)
9. Couples
10. koi no jigoku
11. Sweet Information

Arcotone ARTO-3391
Out 1/23, ¥2300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Pre-order at arcorhyme.com (Japan only)