Album Mini-review: Japanese Breakfast — Psychopomp
File next to: The Dream Academy, Prefab Sprout, My Bloody Valentine
Though the title of this Eugene, Oregon outfit’s full-length might evoke thoughts of the debut album from The Jesus and Mary Chain, 80s UK dream-pop is a more useful reference point. Originally available as a limited-run cassette, *Psychopomp is chock full of infectious melodies, bouncy hooks and a knowing sense of how to arrange a tune full of dynamics. Exuberant tracks like “In Heaven” are balanced nicely by moodier, more contemplative tracks such as “The Woman Who Loves You.” Even within the confines of pop songcraft (all nine tracks come in at four minutes or less), Japanese Breakfast creates songs that start subtly and build to a joyful crescendo. Michelle Zauner‘s winsome vocals are out front, and the band chugs along assuredly, adding plenty of texture that reveals itself more fully on a second or third listen.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.