I’m happy to report that “good luck” has grabbed Half Japanese “by the nose”, and made their lives “brand new, and so wonderful”. I guess that’s one way to announce your first album in 13 years! Brothers Jad and David Fair began the band in the mid-70’s, and their punk-ish and lo-fi sound, as well as unabashed sonic exuberance, would go onto become hallmarks of indie style. Initially, Half Japanese recorded as a duo, but by the early 80’s they began incorporating other musicians into their cirlce; and the intervening years would see brother David leave the band for family duties, while Jad would go onto record with a host of musicians, including notable heavyweights like Moe Tucker, John Zorn, and Fred Frith.
The band’s new LP Overjoyed, their first since 2001’s Hello (Alternative Tentacles), and record number fourteen by my count, is due out September 2nd via Joyful Noise. Recorded by Deerhoof guitarist John Dieterich, if “In Its Pull” is any indication, it’s “happiness or bust” for the band. Offering some sagely advice with the inducement “refresh the life your living”, Half Japanese have indeed drunk the lemonade, and it must be some kind of fountain of youth, ’cause these guys sound fresh, and as brazenly ecstatic as ever!
