Fidget Spinning: Johnnivan’s “I Think I Know You”

Tokyo’s Johnnivan move forward on frantic energy, there songs all twitchy and fidgety in how they play out. “I Think I Know You” is a particularly strong example of their inability of how to sit still…and how it benefits the band. They take cues from late ’70s / early ’80s new wave groups — Talking Heads is one they reference directly — and it comes through clearly, especially in the lyrics, which are mainly interested in clever wordplay delivered in a nervy way. Yet it works well with the herky-jerky music, especially when the electronics squiggle in. Listen above…and also give “Tomorrow Night,” which lathers the keyboard on a little thicker, below.