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Atsuko Chiba — Atsuko Chiba
(Bandcamp Mothland MOTH063, 2026, CD / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2026-08-26

Atsuko Chiba Cover art

On their previous album, Atsuko Chiba augmented their sound with strings, brass, and woodwinds, but for their latest they go it on their own. This self-titled release is their fourth full-length album, and it features six tracks of moderate length. While the music exhibits a wide range of sound and influence, there’s a thread of psychedelia running through it all no matter what the surface trappings may be. “Retention” is built up from a stuttery beat in ¾ (or 6/4, depending on how you want to count it), but the way repetition is used and the way it gradually changes over five and a half minutes might bring to mind a German band like Can. “Pretense” takes a minimalist keyboard wash and a hypnotic bass riff as the backing for an effected vocal melody that might evoke Flaming Lips. “Future Ways” returns to the krautrock, with a motorik drum part, but also incorporates a structure upon the steady rhythm. Other tracks bring in electronic percussion in a sort of cyber-primitive chant, interlocking guitar parts reminiscent of 80s King Crimson, and the experimentation of Ummagumma Pink Floyd. This is a band that has their own take on psychedelic rock, and Atsuko Chiba should be a sure-fire winner for listeners.

Filed under: New releases, 2026 releases

Related artist(s): Atsuko Chiba

More info
http://atsukochiba.bandcamp.com/album/atsuko-chiba

 

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