Hi-Posi - Namidai Bouryoku

Hi-Posi is one of those wonder bands that makes me stop and mentally go WTF everytime - but only in the best of ways. Hi-Posi is pop genious! Nevermind that I cannot understand most of what the talented Miho Moribayashi is singing about - this music is beyond creative. Miho is one of those singer / songwriter / instrumentalists that is steadily redefining music. The songs take unexpected and pleasantly quirky twists - each one a deeply original work, with Miho's breathy and sometime jaded voice capping them off.

Japan seems to have ample amounts of ultracute sci-fi girliness - and Miho climbs to the top. She has gained notarity in the US with her candy-striped electronic pulses, big chorus breaks, and bright guitar chords. With its percolating beat, synthesized horn hits and wide-eyed charm, this album, Kanashii Koto Nannkajanai (1999), is absolute perfect pop. Almost every song has a unique feel to it - showing that Miho has quite a range - heart swelling string arrangments, nu-jazz laziness, and suprising swings to hard edged future-pop with the ultimate of catchiness. Lounge - got it. Disco - oh yes. Intensely modern while maintaining and odd sense of innocence.

Hi-Posi has collaborated with some of the best of Japan's international pop / alternative set, including Cornelius, Towa Tei (ex:Dee-lite) and Fantastic Plastic Machine.

She is produced by Mitsuo Shindo of Contemp Records - who is widely known for not only for his electic take on music, but also for his visual styles and has created artwork for the likes of Pizzicato Five.

It doesn't matter if you can't speak here language - one just needs to listen to become instantly hooked and wind up hitting repeat on ye 'ole CD player - over and over.



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