Atata's Tatat album review

Atata’s Tatat album is a giant quilt of musical patchwork that will surround you and generate a lot of wonderful heat no matter how ugly it looks.  Imagine hearing all these different crazy colors and patterns that normally clash, and yet Atata somehow weave them all together into a really damn good jam session album.

Atata’s basic structure is guitars, drum, bass and vocals, but that doesnt stop them from just throwing musical instruments against a wall to see what will stick. You want piano? You want saxophone? You want violins? You want a capella moments? Atata’s not afraid to add a little bit of everything to every song on Tatat.

You feel the energy and the fun Atata have in each track, like how the whole band participates with backing-sometime- shouty vocals to Mitsuyoshi Nabekawa’s lovely voice in “General Headquarters,” “The Lust Dance,” and “Star Soldier.” And Nabekawa’s voice is quite amazing too. On Sparkplugged.net I mentioned he has the ability to hold a note like Steve Perry from Journey. I can’t stop the comparison, it’s all I hear, but I absolutely love it.

Tatat also has pure chaotic rock moments like “Ontologie” and “Fury of the Year” and ballady moments that sparkle like “Brass and Nickel” and “Recito.” Two total ends of the spectrum that Atata is able balance easily. What is probably the most amazing part about Tatat is the constant feeling that you are listening to them live and unscripted. You also really never know where the band is headed with each song until it is over, and that element of surprise is hugely welcomed.

The only thing that saddens me is Tatat is only 8 tracks. Yet it’s probably better to have 8 awesome songs and still want more. Right?

I doubt you’ll hear another album in 2012 that is as wild and colorful and still makes you feel as warm and fuzzy. Atata’s ability to ride emotional waves and jam out in a free love manner is truly inspiring. If you want to hear some amazing Japanese rock, please check out Atata’s Tatat. Their album is $9.99 at US iTunes.

Yes, this a one of those glowing reviews. 9.5 out of 10.

Here is their video “Star Soldier” so you can see an example of one of their concerts: