Reviews for [RL41]
Dude Japan "Simple Living"

• writinginbasic.co.uk
  Dude Japan are a band that seem to improve with every release and the fact the initial demo was of such high calibre must be a clear indication of where the band now lie. The progression since said demo is impressive to say the least, from the static hiss of the indie pop to the fully fledged Indie Rock present here. Simple Living follows on from their split with Weed Hounds continuing a sound that is now fully realised, ditching the 4 track in favour of a more refined studio approach. Not really a coincidence for saying the ep was recorded during the same sessions. Not only are there higher production values, but the song writing of the band has changed dramatically, rather than carrying on the indie pop found on the demo, the band have ventured out into more of an early 90’s indie rock sound. The whole ep is scattered with nods to the giants of Indie Rock, opener The Seattle Freeze (has come to NY) comes to life with a verse I’d normally associate with a band like Seam, whilst the Na Na Naaas of the later bridge lend heavily from Scottish Indie Rockers Urusei Yatsura. Slacker Ballad Wasted & Unwanted also tips it’s hat to the messy beauty of bands like Lou Barlow’s Sebadoh, a wonderfully fuzzy song that’s full of bum notes and sloppy riffs that still manage to sound majestic. Somehow Dude Japan has managed to encapsulate the sound of 90’s Indie Rock in a mere 6 songs, something that can be considered no small feat in today’s climate and completely restores my faith in modern Indie Rock. BUY IT.
  
  
  
  
• carriedouttosea.blogspot.com
  Taken from the same sessions as the material found on the split 7 inch with Weed Hounds, Dude Japan is back with a six song EP called "Simple Living". Dude Japan continues to create their own blend of super melodic, buzzing guitar indie rock pop bliss culling influences from such bands as Velocity Girl, Superchunk, Further, Tiger Trap, and Built to Spill amongst others. This band is a breath of fresh air from all of the melodic hardcore / pop punk I have been listening to lately, along with destroying the Four Year Strong Last.FM page with random trolling. Anyway, I'm sure most of the followers here have listened to their amazing split with Weed Hounds, and I can honestly say that this release is a few steps up in terms of...well...everything! This is just a really well produced feel-good summer album, that deserves everyone's attention.
  
  
  
  
• thethinnertheair.blogspot.com
  I know I haven't been posting too much, but I'm hoping to change that in the upcoming weeks. I have a few things up my sleeve... Here we go, the latest offering from Long Island, NY's Dude Japan, a four-piece pop band on Rok Lok Records. For anyone who hasn't heard their past releases, which includes a split with Weed Hounds, this is a really exciting treat and a definite improvement over previous endeavors. I say improvement because, personally, I wasn't too crazy about their Teenage Summer EP. I like it, and it's not bad at all, so don't get me wrong... but it just lacked a certain cohesiveness that seems to be present on this latest offering. Whether they found a more comfortable niche to reside in or just tinkered with their sound a bit since then - whatever they've done, it's working, because Simple Living is a much more calculated, satisfying release and, I'd like to think, a sign of things to come. If you are so inclined, there are definite Further and (maybe) even Polvo or Raymond Brake vibes, especially in the beginning riffs on "The Seattle Freeze (Has Come To NY)," which is as feel good as it is despondent. The EP also includes a worthy Tiger Trap cover. All in all, these are some fantastic, feel-good indie pop songs; all quality stuff as can be excepted from this band. I suppose I should also mention that Weed Hounds just released a new limited edition 7" that you can order here. I am not a shill, I swear. Oh, and did I mention that this band has a member of Swell in it? I didn't know that until just now and I think that's awesome.