EP Review: Japan, Man – 'The Bad Days'

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Fifteen-year-old Beirut artist Japan, Man shares sparkling debut EP ‘The Bad Days’, a collection of songs inspired by living consciously and in the moment.

Curious and observant, Japan, Man makes music that is of the moment, perfectly capturing the zeitgeist of a generation that grows up online. ‘The Bad Days’ reflects on her own coming of age story to the sound of charismatic bedroom pop. The EP spans six skilfully crafted tracks that each showcase a different aspect to Japan, Man’s sound while being pulled together by her distinctive, intoxicating vocals and catchy melodies. Sounds alternate between lo-fi beats weightlessly drifting through space (‘The Bad Days’) and funky synths reaching for the sun (‘Cautious’) while introspective lyricism plants its feet firmly on the ground – “I’m stuck in the moment, suddenly I’m frozen, what am I to do?” (‘Stop Staring’)

‘The Bad Days’ radiates individuality and character, it effortlessly sets Japan, Man apart from the sometimes overcrowded pop sphere. A worthy debut for an amazing young talent.

Words by Laura Freyaldenhoven