Review by Mark
Sights And Sounds by Made In Japan: A Raw Indie Rock Gem You Didn’t Know You Needed
Alright, let’s talk about Sights And Sounds by Made In Japan—a record that kinda sneaks up on you like an old friend who shows up unannounced but ends up being the life of the party. Released back in 2012 (yeah, a decade ago—time flies, huh?), this Aussie indie rock project feels like it was cooked up in someone's garage late at night with just enough grit and heart to keep things real. No big-label gloss here; it’s self-released under "Not On Label," which honestly suits its raw charm perfectly.
The album straddles genres like Pop/Rock, straight-up Rock, and Alternative vibes, all while keeping its feet firmly planted in that lo-fi Indie Rock style we love. With tracks like Ignorance Is Bliss (yes, listed twice—probably a happy accident) and Evening Weather, it’s got this mix of punchy energy and chill introspection that sticks with you long after the last chord fades.
Now, let me tell ya why I can’t shake off two standout tracks from this one. First up is What It Is. Man, this song hits different. It’s not trying too hard, y’know? The guitar riff has this lazy swagger, like it doesn’t care if you notice it or not—but trust me, you will. The lyrics are simple yet sharp, poking fun at modern-day distractions without being preachy. Like, when they sing, “We’re chasing shadows in the dark,” it makes you stop scrolling through your phone for a sec and think, “Damn, am I really doing that right now?”
Then there’s Free Spirits. Oh man, this track is where the band lets loose completely. It’s upbeat, chaotic even, but in the best way possible. There’s this infectious drumbeat halfway through that feels like running barefoot down a sunlit street—you know it’s reckless, but you don’t care because it feels so damn good. Plus, the layered vocals give it this dreamy vibe, almost like nostalgia for something you haven’t lived yet. Weird, right? But also kinda beautiful.
Other tracks like Time Flies and Pairs bring their own flavor to the table, but what ties everything together is how unpolished yet intentional it all feels. It’s messy in the same way real life is messy, and maybe that’s why it resonates so much.
Here’s the thing though—if you’re looking for perfection, this ain’t it. Some transitions feel abrupt, and yeah, having Ignorance Is Bliss twice might’ve been a goof. But honestly? That imperfection is what makes Sights And Sounds special. It’s like flipping through an old photo album where some pics are blurry, but those are the ones you end up staring at the longest because they capture the moment better than any perfect shot ever could.
So yeah, give this album a spin. Let it play in the background while you’re folding laundry or zoning out on a rainy afternoon. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself humming along to Free Spirits days later, wondering how such a random little record managed to worm its way into your brain. Or maybe you won’t. Either way, isn’t that kinda punk rock?
