Album Review: Hana by Roly Poly Rag Bear – A Quirky Pop-Rock Gem from Japan
Let’s cut to the chase: Hana by Roly Poly Rag Bear is one of those albums that sneaks up on you like a mischievous raccoon raiding your snack drawer. Released in 2007 under the mysterious-sounding abcdefgrecord (seriously, who comes up with these names?), this Japanese indie rock/pop-rock hybrid is an absolute treat for anyone who loves catchy hooks, oddball charm, and enough whimsy to fill a hot air balloon.
First off, let’s talk genres and styles. It’s pop-rock with a sprinkle of indie vibes—kinda like if The Beatles had a love child with Belle & Sebastian but raised it in Tokyo. The album has 15 tracks, which feels generous without being overwhelming. And yes, there are two versions of “John’s Running,” because apparently even John couldn’t decide where he was headed the first time around.
Now, onto the good stuff—the songs themselves. I’ll highlight two tracks that really stuck with me, not just because they’re great, but also because my brain seems incapable of remembering lyrics to anything else these days.
Track 1: “We Can Fly”
If this song doesn’t make you want to grab a kite and run into a field yelling “I BELIEVE IN MAGIC!” at the top of your lungs, then congratulations—you have no soul. Kidding! But seriously, this track hits all the right notes for a feel-good anthem. Its bouncy rhythm and sunny vocals practically scream, “Hey, life might be messy, but we can still soar above it!” Plus, the chorus is so damn sticky, you’ll probably find yourself humming it while brushing your teeth or waiting in line at the DMV. No judgment here; I’ve done both.
Track 2: “Peppermint Rainbow”
This one’s weirdly unforgettable, and I mean that as a compliment. Imagine eating a whole bag of sour candies while riding a carousel that somehow exists inside a dream sequence. That’s “Peppermint Rainbow” in a nutshell. The melody zigzags between playful and slightly chaotic, kind of like when you try to explain your favorite childhood cartoon to someone who doesn’t get it. By the end, you’re left wondering how something so quirky could feel so…right.
The rest of the album? Solid gold. From the breezy “Sunny Sunday Smile” to the introspective “Lyrical Night Story,” each track adds its own flavor to the mix. Even the double dose of “John’s Running” grows on you after a few listens—it’s like meeting twins who insist on wearing matching outfits everywhere. Annoying at first, but eventually kinda endearing.
So what’s the verdict? Hana isn’t perfect—it’s too eccentric to appeal to everyone, and some tracks lean more toward background music than showstoppers. But honestly, that’s part of its charm. This album reminds me that music doesn’t always need to take itself super seriously to leave a lasting impression.
Final thought: If Roly Poly Rag Bear ever decides to tour again, I’m totally blowing my rent money on tickets. Just don’t ask me to explain why—I’ll probably blame it on the peppermints.
