Anamanaguchi @ Second Sky

Anamanaguchi was one of the artists that I was most excited to see at Second Sky. I knew nothing about them prior to their announcement, other than a song about Miku Hatsune. (What more do you need, really).

But when they got all set up on that stage, it was obvious we were in for a treat. And it was equally obvious why they were there. Guitars, drums, bass but the sounds were chiptunes. The bleeps and bloops of childhood video games. It was honestly confusing at first, but then it all made sense. And it was so much fun to listen to.

Their essence as a band is a lot of the same essence that Porter has. The same pool of influence. They, too, transported us to another world. It’s certainly different than the world of Porter’s creation. The realm of Anamanaguchi is a brightly lit arcade. Each song puts us inside a different cabinet. When listening to their music, we’re in a video game.

That sense of exploration and adventure is so evident. They were the perfect act to have at this festival.

When they played their (in)famous Miku song, they invited Sarah Bonito of Kero Kero Bonito on stage to rap in Japanese. It was a special moment that wouldn’t happen at any other show. They also brought on Meesh, the most colorful singer in the universe, to sing as well.

Their set was fun. They’re quite clearly a band who knows how to have fun. Whether it be self-deprecating jokes about the fact it’s taken five years for their album to come out. Or by “inviting” their “assistant” FRUG up on stage because he’s always wanted to DJ a festival. (It was an animation on the screen for their song ‘FRUG’ and it was quite cute) they kept the smiles on our faces the entire time.

Though I didn’t know their music beforehand, they definitely earned themselves a fan. Which really was the whole point of the festival, wasn’t it?