Music

Japanese pop-punk quartet CHAI have established themselves as a ray of positivity within an oft-pedantic, processed and pessimistic musical landscape.

Across their previous two albums and electric live performances – renowned for their choreography and matching outfits – CHAI’s brand of technicolour punk had carved out an energetic and playful niche within underground pop’s live music scene, and communicated a message of unwavering commitment to self-love and community.

However, due the ongoing restrictions of the global pandemic the group were forced to stop touring and stay in, reflecting up the fabric of their work and their relationship with the outside world. As a result of this imposed exile, CHAI found themselves working remotely; trading song ideas over Zoom calls, and redirecting their focus into a more mellow and introspective space than ever before.

The result of which is WINK, CHAI’s third full length studio album and their most mellow, minimalist and most affecting and exciting songwriting yet. The album showcases the band’s range more so than ever before; featuring a diverse yet unified soundscape, punctuated with unexpected turns, collaborations and ideas.

WINK sees the band intentionally strip back their sound, from their trademark punk and power-pop exuberance for a more woozy R&B-inflected sonic palette. Whereas on past albums, one could expect to experience the maximalism of their live shows, replete with hollered hooks and caffeinated drumlines, WINK alternatively provides the listener with a more bouncy and mellow exploration into all things pop; channelling everything from Synth-Pop, City-Pop, and J-Pop with even a smattering of 90s G-funk and Brit Pop.

However, despite these changes, CHAI’s trademark brand of positivity still remains at the forefront of the project, functioning less as an inspirational anthem or energetic — but rather tender daydreams or a whisper of support.

CHAI themselves have stated that they came to see the album as a collection where each song is like a new friend, providing a level of comfort and reliance for themselves and their listeners to find solace in during a turbulent and uncertain time.

Perhaps the most notable motif across WINK is the recurring imagery of food. CHAI utilise everything from glazed donuts, to chocolate chips and salty salmon balls, as a means to effectively communicate gratitude and the simple pleasures and comforts we far too often take for granted.

Across WINK CHAI serve up a consistent helping of flavourful, joyous and unique pop gems – the perfect pairing for the post-pandemic summer and a much needed reminder to find joy, wherever and whenever one can.

Japanese pop-punk quartet CHAI have established themselves as a ray of positivity within an oft-pedantic, processed and pessimistic musical landscape.

Across their previous two albums and electric live performances – renowned for their choreography and matching outfits – CHAI’s brand of technicolour punk had carved out an energetic and playful niche within underground pop’s live music scene, and communicated a message of unwavering commitment to self-love and community.

However, due the ongoing restrictions of the global pandemic the group were forced to stop touring and stay in, reflecting up the fabric of their work and their relationship with the outside world. As a result of this imposed exile, CHAI found themselves working remotely; trading song ideas over Zoom calls, and redirecting their focus into a more mellow and introspective space than ever before.

The result of which is WINK, CHAI’s third full length studio album and their most mellow, minimalist and most affecting and exciting songwriting yet. The album showcases the band’s range more so than ever before; featuring a diverse yet unified soundscape, punctuated with unexpected turns, collaborations and ideas.

WINK sees the band intentionally strip back their sound, from their trademark punk and power-pop exuberance for a more woozy R&B-inflected sonic palette. Whereas on past albums, one could expect to experience the maximalism of their live shows, replete with hollered hooks and caffeinated drumlines, WINK alternatively provides the listener with a more bouncy and mellow exploration into all things pop; channelling everything from Synth-Pop, City-Pop, and J-Pop with even a smattering of 90s G-funk and Brit Pop.

However, despite these changes, CHAI’s trademark brand of positivity still remains at the forefront of the project, functioning less as an inspirational anthem or energetic — but rather tender daydreams or a whisper of support.

CHAI themselves have stated that they came to see the album as a collection where each song is like a new friend, providing a level of comfort and reliance for themselves and their listeners to find solace in during a turbulent and uncertain time.

Perhaps the most notable motif across WINK is the recurring imagery of food. CHAI utilise everything from glazed donuts, to chocolate chips and salty salmon balls, as a means to effectively communicate gratitude and the simple pleasures and comforts we far too often take for granted.

Across WINK CHAI serve up a consistent helping of flavourful, joyous and unique pop gems – the perfect pairing for the post-pandemic summer and a much needed reminder to find joy, wherever and whenever one can.