WaqWaq Kingdom (JPN)
27.07.2024
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Grove - Ciani Park
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27.07.2024 〰️ Boschetto - Parco Ciani 〰️
The WaqWaq Kingdom's vast spectrum of stylistic adventures sees them draw lines between traditional Japanese and contemporary electronica, between Jamaican dancehall and 8-bit technology, between African polyrhythms and experimental music, with much more helping to color a powerful and vibrant palette. "Dokkoisho" is a Japanese word, an informal intercalary roughly equivalent to the deep sigh of sitting down after a long day at work. "It's like telling yourself I'm tired but now I'm going to relax and then I'm going to keep going," Kiki writes. "It is used in daily life and also for shouting in sumo competitions and Kabuki. It has the meaning that you will continue constantly. It almost contains the meaning of encouragement." Perseverance and self-confidence are common themes for the WaqWaq Kingdom, and Dokkoisko'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-speedy acid trip of happiness, the entire EP is brimming with light and life. The opening single "Positive Sound," and its lyrical key "gimme gimme gimme freedom / I'm the queen of my kingdom," capture with a joyful immediacy, the closest thing to pop music the WaqWaq Kingdom has ever come. "Mr Two Face" pushes back to the dance floor, twisting and climbing with an exhilarating pulse before unexpectedly turning into a prolonged, dreamy, ambient conclusion.
Dokkoisho also sees the extraordinary skills of the exploratory Italian percussionist Andrea Belfi and Iida Kazuhisa, drummer of Seefeel and Boredoms. Shigeru Ishihara, aka DJ Scotch Egg, has been a distinctive alien who has been 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 previously 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 brands. Kiki created Dokkoisho's vividly flamboyant artwork.