7.5 out of 10"Exit" is the third solo effort from this Japanese singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Released by P-Vine Records in Japan in the fall of '07 then internationally about a year later by Almost Gold Records, this record has been in my non-stop rotation since it crossed my path. "Exit" is best described as "whimsical-bedroom-electronica-innocent-chamber-pop" according to Jrawk.com. It consists of uber catchy and exceptionally well put together acoustics and banjo hooks accompanied by the happiest xylophones, and the percussion (used by what at times sounds like undistinguishable children's toys) that glues it all together. Shugo Tokumaru was also hailed by critics in Electronic Musician Magazine as being one of the best artists of 2007.
"Parachute", the album's opener, is an instant pick-me-up for the gloomiest of days. It instantly jumps into a rapid-fire acoustic riff with it's identical xylophone twin in tow. On "Sanganichi", you'll feel like relaxing by a campfire after a long day at the beach. At times, some songs will make you think "Where's he going with this?", but no matter how random the intro, trust me, he'll go somewhere with it. Every little nuance has it's rightful place.
If you're looking for the perfect toe-tapping, head-bobbing album to listen to first thing in the morning, drumming your heart out on your steering wheel while you drive with the windows down album, look no further.
Standout Tracks: Parachute, Green Rain, Future Umbrella, Sanganichi
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