CHAI - "Para Para"

Photo by Kana Tarumi

I'm truly mad that it took so long for CHAI to click with me. The Japanese quartet have just released a new single, which is a tribute to the 90's dance craze in Japan. "Para Para" even sounds like a 90's R&B hit. Seriously, this could not sound more like something that was released in the 90's. It has that smooth jam feel you'd hear from artists like TLC and SWV. For a song that is meant to invoke 90's nostalgia, "Para Para" does its job perfectly. I implore you to drop your indie snobbery and just enjoy the absolute fun that CHAI will bring you.

Vocalist/keyboardist Mana says of the band's new song:

“There’s not a deep meaning to that song, it’s really just about the dance,” says Mana. “As long as you can feel the two-step, any dance is possible! Let your body just move to your dancing heart ♡ When your body moves to the beat of your heart, you’ll realize that the world is smaller than you think, and all your problems are easier than they seem. ‘Cause two-step and music is the best way to communicate in this world ♡ Let it START! CHAI’s two-step dance music ☆☆”

You can watch the video for "Para Para" below. CHAI's self-titled album is due out September 22 on Sub Pop Records, 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!