Bleep

In Japanese, the word “dokkoisho” is like a heavy sigh lifted from the lungs after hard but energising work, and an encouragement to keep the good work going. Released at the height of the 2020 lockdown, WaqWaq Kingdom’s Dokkoisho is exactly the breath of fresh air they needed, a necessary reminder to persevere when times are tough.

Following up the intense highs of their second album Essaka Hoisa is hard work indeed, but on Dokkoisho, Kiki Hitomi and Shigeru Ishihara come back for more with an even fiercer inferno of tracks. Combining their experience and many talents, from King Midas Sound and Seefeel as well as Ishihara’s DJ Scotch Egg alias, the two serve up a melting pot of genres and influences, putting the listener in a headlock for a hyperpop, hypermodern, hyper addictive EP of convulsive techno beats and electrified tribal Japanese rhythms.

Far from evoking the slumped shoulders of a deep sigh, ‘Don’t Be A Zombie’ kicks off with stormy drums and adrenaline infused lasers. Kiki Hitomi’s helium-filled voice sings, “If my life is predictable I’ll become zombie,” in an anti-boredom anthem that segues into the propulsive and bouncing club track ‘Positive Sound’. Plasma-powered bass builds on ‘Mr Two Face’, breaking down into a serenely ambient second half with an oasis of glittering synths before the ebullient chiptune of ‘Relax In Chaos’ chirps and pulses, racing against shredded vocals.

WaqWaq Kingdom show off their strength on Dokkoisho with their unique and explosive material.