Announcing: ‘Overjoyed’, first album in 13 years from Half Japanese
Pinch yourself. “Overjoyed” is here! Half Japanese’s first album in 13 years shows aggressiveness as well as their friendly charisma. Produced by John Dieterich of Deerhoof, the 12 songs on “Overjoyed” are unlike anything in the bands catalog, each unapologetically positive and surprisingly accessible.
Half Japanese was founded in the bedroom of brothers Jad and David Fair in 1974. Ignoring musical conventions like chords, rhythms, melody, and song structure, the brothers pioneered DIY and Lo-Fi punk aesthetics simply by being themselves. Passionate, fearless, and relentlessly unique, they influenced countless artists such as Sonic Youth, Neutral Milk Hotel, Daniel Johnston, Kurt Cobain, and many many more.
The new album contains a deep purity, exceptionally rare amongst “reunion albums”. They neither attempt to recreate their old sound, nor are they aware of current musical trends and conventions. As a result they sidestep common pitfalls and create something new, interesting, and needed. The first single and opening track “In Its Pull” premieres today on Pitchfork.
“Overjoyed” is now available for pre-order on deluxe VIP vinyl (limited to 500 hand-numbered copies on blue-marble vinyl w/ bone-white splatter), bone-white vinyl w/ blue splatter (limited to 1000), bone-white vinyl (mailorder exclusive), and compact disc. All purchases include immediate download of “In Its Pull” and full album download upon release.
Never heard of Half Japanese? That’s ok buddy. Take a look at this little mini-documentary introduction featuring members of Sonic Youth, The Velvet Underground, R.E.M., Teenage Fanclub, and others: