Here is the music video for their first single “Hanatsuoto” off their album Detarame Kagura, which was released on September 7, 2016.

The first half of the song will probably get a mixed reaction among listeners depending on if they have ever been to a Japanese festival or not. It is a modern take with heavier bass lines and a little more power behind it, but the roots of Japanese folk music are firmly in place. As a result it should have no problem transporting anyone back to fond memories of a summer festival in Japan.

However, if you have no such memories, the sound may be a little alien, but hopefully intriguing. But even if it is hard to get into, the instrumental break in the latter half brings more of the funk in, and yet it’s all done so smoothly the song has an unmistakable dream-like atmosphere.

If you’re a fan of traditional Japanese culture or just looking for something new to feed your ears, you can hear more from Aragehonzi on the Glocal Records SoundCloud page or see some of their live performances on their YouTube page. You could also follow them on their social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, or head straight to the band's official website.

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