Even though the vocalist's speaking voice reminds me of that from Don't Hug Me I'm Scared, this is catchy in a nice way.
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10
Japanese-influenced electropop-cum-dancehall group Kero Kero Bonito has provided sparse singles for the last few years, but new single ‘Graduation’ – a cheery reminder of the excitement one feels when leaving school and the realisation of how much of it was pointless and a waste of time – comes just weeks ahead of debut album Bonito Generation. “Today’s my graduation / So long to education / Didn’t learn a thing anyway,” sings Sarah Midori Perry whilst congratulating herself on having a throwable hat as the glitchy instrumental blows literal punky raspberries at unispiring teachers.
Its verses carry stories of adults who lie and create unrealistic future expectations (“These are the best days of our lives / That’s what the grown ups told us, right?”), complete with a verse in Japanese, some gaming sound effects, and an organ solo in the middle of the song. When added to the opening of electronic handclaps and its manic dance-pop feel, ‘Graduation’ is a surprisingly cheery sounding result considering the scepticism and nonchalantly flippant attitude laced throughout.
‘Graduation’ is out now via Double Denim Records
