Musically, Jupiter Jupiter is a danceable indie-rock record – in line with Vola & The Oriental Machine and with the usual list of influences (Franz Ferdinand etc.).  Lyrically, this is a space-nerd’s dream album.  With song titles like, “Universe Universe”, “Hyper Space Music” and “Ursa Minor” how could it be anything else?

The highlight of Jupiter Jupiter is the boundless enthusiasm of the band.  Each song is imbued with a sense of joy and wonder.  Perfect harmonies belt out, “Universe! Universe!” on the lead single, then grow into a shouting chant of “Space! Space!”

Alongside all the nerdy stuff, Avengers in Sci-Fi make some very solid indie-rock.  Nothing wildly original, but the hooks are fantastic and each song is memorable and distinctive.  “Monkey Bites The Sun” sounds, from moment to moment, like Number Girl, Art-School, Blur and even Polysics while  “Symphony Of The End” is softer and features Cornelius like harmonies and a church organ.  Avengers In Sci-Fi’s influences are easy to see, but they sure know how to make a great album.

Did you want to be an astronaut when you were ten years old?  Did you have glow-in-the-dark solar-system stickers on your ceiling?  If so, this album is for you. Even if you think you’ve grown beyond your space-dreams, I bet you can’t watch the video for “Universe Universe” without grinning like a kid again.

Video:Universe, Universe

Avengers in Sci-Fi Official Website | MySpace

Buy Jupiter Jupiter from YesAsia | CDJapan

Modest Mouse’s influence is clear throughout Fog Lamp, alongside the influence of other American indie stars Built To Spill.  Rather than aping their American influences, Ogre You Asshole succeed in capturing their spirit, and have become their peers rather than pupils (Smiths/Modest Mouse guitarist Johnny Marr has said he’d love to play with them)

Ogre You Asshole have been active since 2004, and have released a steady stream of recordings – Fog Lamp is their third album, but they’ve also released a number of mini-albums and singles, making this their seventh release.  There’s no sense of urgency on this release, but rather a self assured modesty.  Ogre You Asshole aren’t out to challenge your sensibilities, and that’s just fine.

Simplicity is key on Fog Lamp – there are places, such as the intro for “Hako” (箱) that are minimal to the core – but Ogre You Asshole add to those simple chord progressions with clever, but still spare arrangements that demonstrate their expertise.

Ultimately, Ogre You Asshole are good enough that they don’t have to try and be flashy to impress.  They place every note, beat, and chord is in its right place and Fog Lamp is one of the best records of the year.

Audio: Hako

Video: Headlight

Buy CD from YesAsia | CDJapan

Ogre You Asshole Official Website | MySpace