FOREVER SUMMER HOLIDAY - KERO KERO BONITO (ケロケロ ボニト) // REVIEW //

            Listen to Kero Kero Bonito's new single, "Forever Summer Holiday", which was released Friday with a music video promoting the Japanese Edition of Bonito Generation, KKB's second studio album, due for release on 12 July 2017. Also feel free to read my thoughts on the electropop group's newest track - click to read more below!

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       Kero Kero Bonito never seems to need to change their sound. It's a distinct, almost (but not totally) unbearably upbeat blend of synthpop, J-pop, dancehall, and Sarah Midori Perry's intertwined English and Japanese happy-rapping. Hearing "Forever Summer Holiday" simply reassured my complete and total belief in whatever it is that KKB seeks to accomplish. From the shots of Sarah and her boys, Gus and Jamie, dwelling in a quaint English countryside cottage, to the rejoicing band on the beach, this song screamed 夏休み (summer break), and was reminiscent of one of my favorite KKB tracks, "Break", off of Bonito Generation. 
          KKB sets itself up for international recognition by a niche following. Perry, the group's singer and primary lyricist, who is half British and half Japanese, creates and unmistakable blend of bilingual raps, combined with dreamy, danceable beats that would appeal to audiences like, dare I say, connoisseurs of Japanese culture in the UK and US, and connoisseurs of American culture in Japan. The simple language that Perry incorporates in either language, with friendly, relatable themes makes this group's summer tune even more interesting from a genre crossing, language barrier bending point of view. The beginning verse of "Forever Summer Holiday" exemplifies Kero Kero Bonito's endeavor into uplifting the indie genre, and creating Bonito Generation, well:

The sunshine says hello
The water looking fine
So grab and ice cream cone
Sa dekake yo o  (Let's get going)
Nimostu o matomete (Grab your things)
....
Umi ga mieru  (I can see the ocean)
Forever summer holiday!

         Look out for the Japanese release of KKB's sophomore album this July!