The Routes - The Twang Machine (2022)

Formed in 2006, Although far away from the Tokyo garage scene, The Routes are undoubtedly one of the most prolific underground garage bands in Japan of the last decade. 2021 saw them release three studio albums (two of which were instrumental), taking their album tally up to 10 studio albums. It’s 2022, and not showing any signs of slowing down they bring you Twang Machine. Imagine a bizarre alternate universe in which the Moog synthesizer was invented before the guitar, and visiting thrift stores you’d find records such as The Ventures “Guitar Indigo” and Dick Dale “Twanged On Bach!?!“ Well, here is a record that could well be from that universe! Yes! Ten slices of Kraftwerk arranged into mid-sixties instrumental rock ’n’ roll/surf guitar bangers. An aural testament to their love and respect of the music of KRAFTWERK. Hear Showroom Dummies reimagined as a Spaghetti Western film opening theme, Radioactivity drenched in reverb ala Astronauts... Trans Europe Express at shinkansen speed racing to burst the sound barrier, and many more of Kraftwerk‘s classic songs such as The Model or Autobahn as you could never imagine them.Whether you see it as musical blasphemy or musical alchemy, this album is set to become a cult classic, destined to irk or jerk future generations for years to come.