FREE DRINK

Funk, funky pop and Jadoes with Toshiki Kadomatsu. Before they made their name as comedians, the group was in fact a thoroughly serious five-piece of young musicians. Most of their repertoire consisted of originals by the members themselves, though the music's quality was anything but low. Recognizing the themes already planted in the band, Kadomatsu took over production and, after their debut with IT'S FRIDAY!, Jadoes also joined his tours and handled choreography and stage direction. Through all of this they studied and absorbed Kadomatsu's style while holding their own position.

The sound here is like a cold Heineken bottle glowing green under a light. In 2, synths echo from the distance through a relaxed urban night. 5 carries a vague urban ache; the band pushed that subdued emotion forward while adding more forceful tracks as a counterweight, creating a vivid contrast. Later, the vocal work of Yoshiki Fujisawa—now also known as a friend of Dance Man—brings an added sense of speed. The group's playful manner, mixing rap and funk, is impossible to resist. Ballad 8, carried by a compelling refrain, has a hard-edged acoustic character. Kadomatsu fans or not, this is a band that demands attention.