Album Review: Whooper by Hooper Pooper Looper
Released in 2017 under the independent label "Not On Label," Whooper by Hooper Pooper Looper is a fascinating dive into the eclectic world of electronic music. Hailing from Japan, this album blends Ambient, Disco, and Acid Jazz styles into a cohesive yet unpredictable listening experience. With Shinya Okura handling vocals, bass, and electronics, Maiko on drums, the trio crafts a sound that feels both experimental and deeply personal.
One standout track is "Autumn And The Cat." It opens with a soft, almost hesitant synth line that feels like the first crisp breeze of fall. The bassline, courtesy of Okura, sneaks in subtly, groovy but not overpowering. What makes this track stick in your head isn’t just its chill vibe—it’s how it builds. Around the two-minute mark, layers of ambient noise creep in, mimicking the rustle of leaves or distant city chatter. You don’t expect much from a song with such a quirky title, but it delivers an emotional punch without being too obvious about it. It's one of those tracks you’d throw on during a late-night drive when you're lost in thought.
Another gem is "414141." If you’re someone who digs rhythm-heavy tunes, this one grabs you right away. The drumming by Maiko is tight—almost hypnotic—and works perfectly against the swirling acid jazz textures. There’s a moment midway where everything drops out except for a lone vocal loop, which feels oddly cinematic. It’s as if the song takes a breath before diving back into its frenetic energy. Tracks like these remind you why electronic music can be so damn immersive; they create worlds within worlds.
The production quality might feel raw at times, especially given the independent nature of the release, but that adds to its charm. This isn’t some polished pop record trying to fit neatly onto playlists. Instead, Whooper feels alive, messy even, but in the best way possible. At points, it sounds like the artists are figuring things out as they go along—and honestly? That’s kinda refreshing.
Reflecting on Whooper, what strikes me most is how unapologetically itself it is. In a time when algorithms dictate what we listen to, here’s an album that doesn’t care about trends. Sure, it may not appeal to everyone, but maybe that’s the point. As I wrapped up my second listen, I found myself wondering—if cats could DJ, would their sets sound anything like this? Yeah, weird thought, but hey, that’s the kind of album this is.
