Duo Frasco have been offering up a nice alternative take on Japan’s current interest in laid-back music, and “Viewtiful” highlights just how. Whereas other young groups tend to keep everything super laid-back — and, more importantly, build around guitars — Frasco let a little tension sneak into their synth-pop jams. “Viewtiful” is in no rush to get anywhere, and mostly finds the singing coming out via a relaxing, easy-going delivery. Yet this peace often gets disrupted by warbly electronics, and even the singing takes on an odd pitch once in awhile. Overall, still relaxing, but the stranger parts do come through. Listen above.
