WaqWaq Kingdom's broad spectrum of stylistic adventures sees them drawing lines between traditional Japanese and contemporary electronica, between Jamaican dancehall and 8-bit technology, between African polyrhythms and experimental music, with much else helping to color a powerful and vibrant palette. "Dokkoisho" is a Japanese word, an informal intercourse roughly equivalent to the deep sigh in sitting down after a long day's work.
"Like telling yourself I'm tired but I'll relax now and then continue," Kiki writes. "It is used in daily life and also to shout in sumo competitions and Kabuki. It has the meaning that you will continue constantly. It almost contains the meaning of encouragement." Perseverance and self-reliance are common themes for WaqWaq Kingdom, and Dokkoisho's music reflects this strand of determination and inner strength. Beginning with the multicolored island vibes of "Don't Be Zombie," which turns into a hyper-speed acid trip of happiness, the entire EP overflows with light and life. The opening single "Positive Sound," and its lyrical key "gimme gimme gimme freedom / I'm the queen of my kingdom," captures with joyful immediacy the closest the WaqWaq Kingdom has ever come to pop music. "Mr Two Face" pushes back to the dance floor, screwing and soaring with an exhilarating pulse before unexpectedly spinning into an extended, dreamy, ambient conclusion.
Dokkoisho also features the extraordinary skills of Italian exploratory percussionist Andrea Belfi and Iida Kazuhisa, drummer for Seefeel and Boredoms. Shigeru Ishihara, aka DJ Scotch Egg, has been a distinctive alien orbiting the dance music galaxy for over a decade, releasing radiant and unpredictable solo records through the legendary and now defunct experimental label Load Records, and performing as a member of the British post-rock band Seefeel.
Singer and lyricist Kiki Hitomi was formerly a member of King Midas Sound (along with The Bug and Roger Robinson) and co-founder of the iconic Japanese dubstep-noise duo Dokkebi Q. She is also a celebrated illustrator and designer, having created artwork for countless record covers and labels. Kiki created the vibrantly flamboyant artwork for Dokkoisho.
Photo: © Marco Tinari
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