Miniature cities. Broadcast television. Wailing synthesizers. What do all of these have in common? They are the glue that holds together the fabric of Shinbangumi, the latest and greatest record from citypop wunderkind Cameron Lew, AKA Ginger Root. The record comes hot off of the heels of 2022’s Nisemono EP, yet another  high-concept, rip-roaring good time that finds our favorite city slicker in the throes of trying to develop a worthy follow-up to fan-favorite track “Loretta,” both narratively and literally. That prior collection of tracks saw Mr. Root embroiled in the cutting edge world of public TV. As seen in the prologue of the music video for stellar lead single, “No Problems,” Cam is in some serious hot water for not pulling in similar ratings as the Loretta Variety Hour, and is subsequently fired from Juban TV.

All of this exists as pre-context for the record proper, and is explored by way of a handful of deeply engrossing, inventive music videos that allow the narrative to unfold episodically. The Ginger Root Cinematic Universe (GRCU) expands over the course of its many entries, totaling a brief, yet substantially-filling 32 minutes. The title itself translates to “New Program,” in which Lew & his hasty broadcast crew scramble to create the next big network hit. Each of the main tracks (complemented by tasteful interludes peppered throughout) feel like standalone glimpses into the other side of the TV screen, giving way to worlds larger than life. And boy, does the instrumentation feel on par with said vastness. This is above and away Root’s most complete body of work, both in vision and execution, with each song using every  instrument in his arsenal, every second of its real estate to capitalize on its themes, its story beats, and above all, its hypnotic grooves.

In having such lofty ambitions, at no point does Cameron spare the listener of phoned-in performances for the sake of narrative; it is a blissful overlap of story and songwriting, bolstered by his most experimental sonic palettes yet. “Welcome” sets the stage with slow-churning, contemplative synths that cast a spotlight on the record’s first real star – the undeniable “No Problems.” With this single, whether intended or otherwise, Ginger Root conjures a track to rival the success of “Loretta.” Swanky, dazzling backing instrumentation (reminiscent of the soundscape of previous record “Rikki“) gives way to an all-time great Root chorus: “How can you say this is not for debatin’?/How, how can you say that you got no problems?/I, I can’t be fake, when you’re up and elated/How, how can you say that you got no problems, too?” The hook calls forth a syrupy-sweet guitar solo strong enough to topple miniature cities at their foundations. The show-stopping final moments usher the listener into the bass-heavy “Better Than Monday,” an ode to working class malaise. The Sunday Scaries prompt due grief for the upcoming workweek, but hey, at least you have your freedom for those few brief hours. A synth-clap-synth rhythm section and the infectious backing refrain of “Whatcha doin’, whatcha doin’?” will undoubtedly have crowds bobbing along.

Third single “There Was A Time” swaps funky basslines for plucky arpeggiators. Lyrically, it’s one of Cameron’s most wistful, retrospective offerings in recent years, but that undertone of contemplative looking-back is upended by the sheer sunny energy it radiates. Much like the music video that accompanies the track, the guitar solo present is potent enough to fend off any evildoer. All of the individual elements come to a climactic finish before crescendoing into a softer sendoff. The slinky sensibilities of “All Night” lend to its abilities as one of the grooviest tracks on the whole joint. While lyrically skeletal, the instrumental jam session of warbling synths and pumping percussion rightly provide enough to convince even the most steadfast wallflower to approach the dancefloor with swagger. “CM” serves as a commercial break interlude promoting “Action! Rock! Groove!” that can be found only over on Ginger Root Productions’ airwaves. “Only You” rounds out the fifth and final lead-up single on the record, a soulful love song that features Cameron’s most overt crooning. The intersection of xylophone and synth overlays allow this track to feel airy and dreamy enough to wander off into a dream.

“Kaze” is one of the most welcome surprises on the whole LP, boasting two elements that stand out against all other tracks – a burning bossa nova beat, and Cameron singing in full Japanese. Slick guitar passages and synthesizer hits accompany a steady background metronome. On “Giddy Up,” Lew serves the most straightforward guitar-driven tune that could have easily sat at the backend of Rikki’s tracklist. “When will you love me?/When will you care?” he wonders aloud. The final leg’s thumping bass solo ensures that the live band will be able to highlight each member’s strengths when played onstage.

The saxophone-heavy palate cleanser “Think Cool” is a transitional interlude that leads to the LP’s longest entry, the dazzling “Show 10.” The song acts as a showcase of the sheer command of instrumentation that Cameron Lew can maintain all his own. On closer “Take Me Back,” (whose subtitle, “Owakare No Jikan” translates to “Farewell Time”) Ginger Root threads the needle on the many songs that anchor Shinbangumi. During the midnight album visualizer livestream on YouTube, Cameron himself mentions that keen-eared listeners will be able to catch up to a total of five motifs of the tracks prior. No greater is this on display than the reprisal of “No Problems” at the two minute mark that made me absolutely levitate. Front-to-back, Ginger Root’s New Program offers one of the most full-bodied tracklists to date this year, and stands out in a crowd of palpably strong competitors. Whether you’re new to citypop or Root as a whole, there is no better time to try his unique blend of sounds and personality, and the catalog of music videos further enhances the believability of the world he crafts on this studio outing. Shinbangumi is a world unto itself, and I have no temptations to leave its grasp anytime soon.