ANAMANAGUCHI play the Hoxton tonight (Thursday, May 23). See listing. Rating: NN
Anamanaguchi make unapologetically saccharine, enthusiastic power pop out of guitars, bass, drums and a hacked 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System. (Think peppier, less pissed-off Crystal Castles.) If that sounds good to you, then let’s hope your appetite lasts for 22 songs. If it sounds the slightest bit irritating, stay away.
Endless Fantasy is music for diehards. Anamanaguchi wrote and recorded the album without help from a record label, turning instead to their fans for funding via Kickstarter. Now, nearly four years after recording the soundtrack to the Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World video game, they’ve over-delivered. In small doses, this music can unlock the pleasure centre attached to slaying dragons and rescuing princesses. An hour and 15 minutes of eager, upbeat, mostly instrumental chiptune music, however, is enough to test the patience of even the most nostalgic, novelty-T-wearing vintage gamer.
Top track: Meow
