ANORAK! – Fingers Crossed Review

Japan is certainly a fair distance from America’s Midwest, but that hasn’t stopped us from putting ANORAK! in that box. Formed in 2019, this Japanese Midwest Emo band have released two albums and is now onto their third with FINGERS CROSSED. But this isn’t just another album full of twinkly riffs, extended chords, and powerful, raw lyricism…

ANORAK! have been known to push the boundaries with their music. Not only do they dance between English and Japanese lyricism, but they also have a knack for creating an interesting blend of emo and electronica that doesn’t sound tacky. It’s a fusion of sounds we didn’t know we needed, but we’re absolutely glad it exists.

The band’s last album, Self-Actualization and the Ignorance and Hesitation Towards It, did dive more into their experimental indietronica sound, which at the time felt like quite the departure from their debut self-titled release – which was more traditionally Midwest Emo than electronic. There were hints of their earlier sound, but for the most part it was more electronically driven, which I actually really enjoyed.

With FINGERS CROSSED, ANORAK! have gone back to their roots. It’s much rawer than their previous record and definitely more band-driven than electronic. There are still some elements of Self-Actualization in this album, but it’s far more stripped back and is reserved mostly for interludes. It’s a shame, because this fusion added something really interesting to the genre, but I also get how it could alienate some fans.

Kicking off with the title track, FINGERS CROSSED, this 1:29 instrumental lays out what we can expect from the following 20-odd-minute album. It’s rhythmic and introspective while also being upbeat and playful. It’s a return to their earlier sound – that’s for sure – channelling the likes of Algernon Cadwallader and Macseal. But then, at times, you’re thrust into the band’s electronic world. Tracks such as WE GREW and DA BOYS remind us that they haven’t left behind the sounds and stylings of their sophomore album.

Would I have liked more of a blend of the two sounds? Absolutely. ANORAK!‘s debut album is a great Midwest Emo album, don’t get me wrong, but Self-Actualization and the Ignorance and Hesitation Towards It offered something unique to a sound we’re hearing a hell of a lot of at the moment. I’m happy that they have included indietronica elements and not abandoned that sound completely, but I’m definitely champing at the bit for more.

FINGERS CROSSED offers a mix of fast-paced emo that almost steps into post-hardcore with tracks like FINCH 2 STEP, bringing the band’s rock influences to the forefront, with more contemplative, gentle songs like their debut single SUMMER TOUR. The album has some really nice pacing to it, which sadly highlights how short the album feels. It’s over before it really begins.