Chai [LP]

The Japanese band Chai cast a spell on the world in 2017 with their debut album, PINK, a collection of songs that introduced their singular brand of playful pop. The enthusiastically feminist follow-up, PUNK, raked in accolades from the music press and fellow artists. That led to WINK, which Chai made via remote Zoom sessions, a limitation that became a strength by allowing MANA (lead vocals and keys), KANA (guitar), YUNA (drums), and YUUKI (bassist-lyricist) to collaborate with artists abroad to create a work that found catharsis in their international community. Unlike WINK, the band's new self-titled album finds Chai returning to their roots, drawing inspiration from city pop, J-pop, and their Japanese heritage. The album might be the perfect distillation of Chai's ethic: it urges listeners to keep moving through this life with joy and passion. Per MANA: "It's not about winning or losing as competition, but about what you need to do, personally, to feel you've won."