Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2014

Metropolis hosted Uhnellys at our Saiko showcase, so it’s no secret we’re fans of the Saitama duo. And yet, Uhnellys have outdone themselves with their new CD, Chord, raising expectations for their upcoming show at SuperDeluxe. Having forged a new rock/rap/jazz/digital hybrid, frontman Kim and his beauty-on-the-backbeat Midi now squeeze it in new directions. Uhnellys’ tracks typically take their cue from Kim’s funk guitar loops, irrepressible rap-storytelling and jazzy trumpet riffs, with Midi gluing it all together with beats and choruses. On the new album, songs like the film noir tinged “Black Out” don’t mess with this formula, but they do perfect it. The pair have learned how to ratchet up the tension until you’re crying out for the full-blown funk denouement they never fail to deliver.

SuperDeluxe, Mar 22.