Kuuki No Soko

Replicant are a young lass and lad (Sanae and Hideyuki, respectively) from Sapporo, Japan. Kuuki No Soko, their debut album, finds the duo piloting territory between electronics (her) and guitars (him). Did we say "piloting"? Aptly so, as the results are airy, managing to be pure pop and atmospheric at the same time, while Sanae's vocals float above. Graceful and just sweet enough to hide that little something else. A hint of something lost? An air of childhood enchantment pervades the album, coming through in hazy morning synths, in cricket-like twilight rhythms, and everywhere in Sanae's young voice. Kuuki No Soko was co-produced by Masayuki Takahashi from 800 Cherries, and fans of the latter won't be disappointed. Neither will fans of Watoo Watoo, for that matter. Oh, and it's excellent on headphones.