Capsule Playlist: Summer Week Two
in this week’s capsule playlist we find the chance to explore some music meant to be enjoyed with a nice helping of sea spray. the sun is out in full rays, the ocean is beckoning you in and everything is happening. come check out some familiar western genres with a new look and spin, or stay for the immaculate atmosphere built around the second half of the list. the scope of this week is expanded by these great songs. just be sure to put on some sunscreen before going out.
Dramatic by MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS
shoegaze feels like a new genre to enter the Japanese music culture. at least in this style. it comes closer to that of California West Coast style of garage band style music. some of my favorite kind of music. MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS are more well known for different famous album, but i don’t want this one to fall through the cracks. “Dramatic” feels like a modern blend of American and Japanese styles, making it a fresh step into a the future of music. beach days in 2026 feel like this, something with a bit of an edge but still upbeat.
dedede by Haku.
a deeper push into music more energetically motivated. math-rock feels the right kind of jammy for this week. in the theme of summer and sand, this song feels like a proper inclusion. it has verve, energy, a sort of youthful drive behind its gears. sometimes that’s all it takes.
Somwhere by tiny yawn
continuing with new flavors of rock, tiny yawn brings a more laid back and emotional sort of music to this ocean-side kick back. their work is new to me, but something i’ve been exploring more is this new field of Japanese indie-rock. it turns out the music industry in Japan is exploding in indie realms just as much as here in America. the more i look, the more small and bespoke bands i find. in honor that beachy heritage and this wonderful side of music, it’s only proper to include something THIS indie. the vibe is effortless. a really cool song. we are gonna come back to tiny yawn in the future.
Kaze o Tomenaide (風を止めないで) by rubens
with less than 100k monthly listeners on Spotify, rubens makes the list as another band worth a look. i really like how the song feels both grounded and groovy. “Kaze o Tomenaide” is an earworm familiar with many local bands around my own residence. the languid guitar riffs are an indie staple. however they coincide with Japanese pop lyricism, taking the song into something more summer friendly. i guess this list is turning into an indie experience. that’s not such a bad thing though. in the spirit of summer and seas, it takes an unknown indie band to tie the whole thing together. i found this one last minute and felt it worth admitting. another really great song.
202 feat. 泉まくら (New Mix) by LSC (Lovely Summer Chan)
their wider album is worth taking a look at (hmm, maybe we should), on this album LSC takes it back a bit to a bit of a hip-hop groove/ lofi feel. LSC embraces the part of summer that’s a bit more easy going. maybe you hear them as you go shopping around the bay side stores, or they’re just just down the street, performing on the corner. we’ve already visited quite a bit of rap this week, but it’s so much fun to see all the style and ways it can come. LSC provides a style chill and wavey.
Wasuretekudasai (忘れてくだいさい) by Yorushika
“Wasuretekudasai” is such a pivotal daytime joy song. in the city, at the park or by the ocean, i think Yorushika’s sincere and timid approach to an active day fits just right. it captures the sort of bubbly and carefree sort of energy where a fresh air and a smile come easy. i’ve spent enough personal time with this one in the field. this particular song of Yorushika feels like life and appreciation. among the songs we are visiting here today, it seemed like an appropriate reprieve. step away from the ocean for a bit of grass and sun and breeze before jumping back in.
A way of life - Deep in side my mind Remix from the Persona 3 Portable OST
Persona 3 has a sort of whirlpool at the center of its soundtrack. a sort of gravitational effect that pulls one into a state of mind and place. a state of mind and place geared for vibe and verve. anyone who has played the game knows what a beach day looks like in a perfect depiction. swim trunks, bikinis, blazing sun, potential, hijinks and connections. when i hear this soundtrack, and this song specifically, i think of how the game reflects back into my life. how it should be approached with energy. the only way to do that is with an airtight soundtrack. Persona has it covered, and it looks like it’s already been delivered. enjoy this buoyant and triumphant hip-hop jazz track meant for multiple re-replays as it blends into the fabric of your day.
slow dance by SUNEOHAIR
elation comes from the release of the day’s potential. finally let loose, the day comes into realization. combined with mental images of shimmering sunlight through the umbrellas, frozen popsicles, new discoveries in the sand and splashing feet upon the waves, SUNEOHAIR has an impeccable ability to sketch a scene. from the opening guitar riff and the trickles of disparate piano keys, “slow dance” feels like an emotion i once knew clearly in a moment as it explores the impossible balance between the uncertainty and electric anticipation we find near someone on a special summer day. whether in youth or age, “slow dance” hits its mark square. a day in life should be enjoyed, not endured.
Message by ROUND TABLE feat. Nino
“Message” is the final song to employ on a summer’s day out at sea. run, play, relax, nap, meet, explore. do it all. xylophones, exploding trumpets, bluesy guitar and church organs await. ROUND TABLE’s terrific composition underlie that giddy feeling found in every great day under the bright sun’s rays. just near the ocean or in the breeze, this final song explores themes of fun and exploration. I adore Nino’s voice. it only could have been her to finalize the song list for this week. welcome to the beach!
written by
Marcus Landeros
— see the full list here —
