New Cosmosman: Ananga Ranga

This one announces itself really well…after a few seconds of pulsating electronics courtesy of Kobe’s Cosmosman, a woman’s voice cheerfully says “Welcome to the future!” And then “Radio Menthol,” the first song off of Ananga Ranga turns into a bouncy cartoon number that seems like it should be soundtracking videos of dancing fire hydrants or something. But then a warped vocal sample sneaks in, undercutting that technicolor vibe, and adding some intrigue to the track.

That element – of maximal butting heads with strange – makes Ananga Ranga Cosmosman’s best release to date and the first collection of music this group has released that really makes them standout from the ever-crowded Kansai electronic scene. The highlight is “Unique Fun Fiction,” a tropical-tinged number again featuring vocals that are more mysterious than they initially seem. These would be fun electronic numbers even without that weirdness, but added in they suddenly become a whole lot more captivating. A lot of the programming here seems like it could go haywire at any second – the bleeps on “Flannel Upper Cut” seem like they might pop, while the chirpy voices on “14th Wonder” are actually sorta scary. Even the most straightforward pop joint here – “Lemon Sun” featuring Barako Arato – finds the singing coated in what sounds like dying computer sounds. It’s a big breakthrough for Cosmosman, and one that’s less wacky than you initially think. Get it here, or listen below.