Opening big with Bond/Barry smolder and dipping into my favorite big band/bepop wellsprings, all the familiar elements are alive and present in Tokyo Jihen's latest. The album glistens with Shiina's trademark melodies and space jazz improvisations, where the furious rockabilly pummeling of the drums are modulated by the nimble of tinkle of the keyboard. When the songs trend towards the obligatory, friendliness, or ballads turn nostalgic for Shiina's first grunge influenced album, I get a little twee-d out and sleepy.

Notably though, the album explores rock references with a bit earthier grit than usual (more bluesy! more funky! and way more virtuoso electric axing!), and it's this energy that seems to define the album. The chameleon-like guitarist takes front seat, channelling Rage Against the Machine chord-walls and visual-k squeals. There's a goth/hair band feel to a couple tracks, as well as unusual key shifts in Kaze ni Ayakatte Ike, which conjure up scorched velvet and sweaty basements that reek of gloamy STP.

01 - 天国へようこそ For The Disc (Tengoku he Youkoso)
02 - 絶対値対相対値 (Zettaichi Tai Soutaichi)
03 - 新しい文明開化 (Atarashii Bunmeikaika)
04 - 電気のない都市 (Denki no nai Machi)
05 - 海底に巣くう男 (Kaitei ni Sukuu Otoko)
06 - 禁じられた遊び (Kinjirareta Asobi)
07 - ドーパミント！ BPM103 (Dopamint!)
08 - 恐るべき大人達 (Osorubeki Otona Tachi)
09 - 21世紀宇宙の子 (21 Seiki Uchuu no Ko)
10 - かつては男と女 (Katsute wa Otoko to Onna)
11 - 空が鳴っている (Sora ga Natteiru)
12 - 風に肖って行け (Kaze ni Ayakatte Ike)
13 - 女の子は誰でも (Onna no Ko wa Daredemo)
BT - 天国へようこそ For The Tube (Tengoku he Youkouso)