school food punishment's unique sound makes their music timeless.
school food punishment is a relatively new artist with a relatively unique sound. For an example, you need look no further than their 2009 EP Riff-Rain, an eclectic blend of rock, alternative, electronica, and acid-jazz that has propelled this four-piece band to great success in their young career.
Riff-Rain is six solid tracks of electric piano based alternative ambiance. Keyboardist Masayuki Hasuo lays down a catchy foundation of jazzy chords and fills in the opening song Flow. Combined with the unusual rhythms provided by Osamu Hidai on drums, it sets a mood that is likened to legendary UK acid jazz artists such as Incognito and Jamiroquai.
In the next two pieces, Feedback and Egoist, the rhythm section is flawlessly woven in with the gritty electric guitar and the soothing vocals of front woman Yumi Uchimura. The contrast of the lyricist’s dual instruments is chilling at times, most notably during the chorus and bridge of Egoist, which features a combination of synthesizers, soaring vocals, and dramatic pauses. Hideaki Yamazaki’s bass guitar lines are very prominent in each measure, varying in tempo, but always in control.
More impressive is the next track, Killer. Particularly “killer” is the song’s opening, a rich mash-up of electric piano, guitars, synth pads and percussion. The amazing blend abruptly bleeds into a groove of acid and rock fusion. In direct contrast, Futari Umi No Soko, the last full song on the EP, has more of a calm, contemporary feel. Also piano driven, its staccato chords are both smart and punchy. It is a remarkable end to a remarkable EP.
school food punishment packs a ton of emotion and diversity into a very small track list. With a sound rarely heard in any mainstream market, they are likely to gain the type of prominent Western success reminiscent of The Brilliant Green. Indeed, it should be very exciting to all music lovers that these artists could get even better than they are now. The mere prospect of the next SFP full-length album should be stirring to say the least.
