CHAI - "Neo Kawaii, K?"

Photo by Kana Tarumi

I'm so glad I got over myself and started appreciating the music of CHAI. The Japanese four piece has released a single that is just soaked in 80's goodness. "Neo Kawaii, K?" is just a joy to listen to. It's fun dance music that will remind you of an oddball 80's that looks kinda familiar to us, but none of us actually lived in. There are elements of pop, New Wave, hip hop, and maybe even some punk in "Neo Kawaii, K?" This is just fun, energetic music that is perfect to just let loose and allow yourself to fully enjoy.

Mana (vocals, keys) says of the new song:

“Everyone is NEO KAWAII! This is CHAI’s answer, this is a fact in this world! We can finally say what it really means to us♡ Everyone’s a bit weird. Everyone’s different. Everyone’s awkward, almost to a point that it’s hard to relate. But that’s what’s interesting! That’s what makes it beautiful. To everyone who’s pushed around by these notions, we want to tell you this! We, and all of our lives, are NEO KAWAII! NEO KAWAII is not just plain KAWAII (cute)- it’s cool, it’s strong, it’s kind, it’s warm! Don’t get it mixed up♡  Hey! NEO KAWAII people! NEO KAWAII needs no preparation. We just want to say that you’re NEO KAWAII too, K? ♡?”

You can watch the video for "Neo Kawaii, K?" below. CHAI's self-titled album is due out September 22 on Sub Pop, and is available for pre-order here. For more on CHAI, check out their website. Upcoming tour dates are below the video.

Sat. Sept. 23 -  Boise, ID @ Flipside Festival
Sun. Sept. 24 - Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern
Mon. Sept. 25 - Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
Wed. Sept. 27 - San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
Fri. Sept. 29 - Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom
Mon. Oct. 2 - Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
Wed. Oct. 4 - Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern
Fri. Oct. 6 - Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw
Sun. Oct. 8 - Boston, MA @ Crystal Ballroom
Tue. Oct. 10 - Washington, DC @ Union Stage
Wed. Oct. 11 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
Fri. Oct. 13 - Mexico City, MEX @ Indie Rocks!
Wed. Nov. 1 – Berlin, DE @ Pitchfork Music Festival Berlin
Fri. Nov. 3 – Paris, FR @ Badaboum
Sun. Nov. 5 –Amsterdam, NL @ Tolhuistuin (Paradiso Noord)
Mon. Nov. 6 – Brussels, BE @ Botanique Orangerie
Wed. Nov. 8 – Southampton, UK @ Heartbreakers
Thu. Nov. 9 – Brighton, UK @ Patterns
Fri. Nov. 10 – London, UK @ Pitchfork Music Festival
Sun. Nov. 12 – Manchester, UK @ Yes (Pink Room)
Tue. Nov 14 – Glasgow, UK @ Broadcast
Wed. Nov. 15 – Leeds, UK @ Headrow House
Thu. Nov. 16 – Bristol, UK @ Rough Trade