Tokyo Lucky Hole is quite the oddball name for a rock group. Their eccentric name is only the tip of their weirdness. They add a spin of elegant glam rock to traditional indie rock. On the album cover, Clay Fuller, the frontman of the group, can be spotted easily with his glitter-filled outfit and his banging haircut, a beautiful tribute to the 80s. This eye-popping appearance makes him the perfect centerpiece for the band. The other members of the group, bassist Russell Frankston, keyboardist Connor Frankston, and drummer Ben Brigford, are dolled up in their own breathtaking retro cowboy outfits. What could one expect from a group with such flare? Songs about going out with the boys and sucking on stripper’s titties would be an outrageous answer for most bands, but let me remind you, Tokyo Lucky Hole is not like other bands.
Surf Vaudeville
Synths, a slow pounding drum beat, and eerie guitar licks set the initial scene of this solely instrumental track. But as the best things in life go, it starts off slow and builds into a truly epic climax. By the end of the track, Tokyo Lucky Hole is jamming surf rock so hard that Dick Dale himself would (most likely) respect their effort.
The Boys (And A Bottle)
This track is an essential post-breakup song. It proposes the notion that instead of drowning in your sorrows, you should instead drown yourself in rum (with the boys). The song has a whimsical upbeatness that sets a perfect tone for the shenanigans presented in the lyrics. My absolute favorite line of Tokyo Lucky Hole’s discography can be found in this song.
“Smoking cigarettes and covering up with chewing gum / Big League preferably”
The line is so tongue-in-cheek I can not help but chuckle every time I hear it. Also, Big League Chew is the best bubble gum on the market and I am glad that Fuller can appreciate it. Musically, the track is reminiscent of the Beach Boys with a fusion of modern indie rock. This bright sound sits comfortably with the let loose attitude of the song. Needless to say, if you find yourself out with the boys (and a bottle), you know what song to queue up.
Boogie Shoes
Yes, this is a cover of the 1975 smash hit by K.C. and the Sunshine Band. Honestly, if I were to expect this cover from anyone it would be these guys. They approach the song with an energetic, guitar-heavy tone that makes it feel like an original. Covers are definitely no easy task to execute, especially when you’re digging forty-plus years in the vault. On Tokyo Lucky Hole’s rendition of Boogie Shoes, it does more than just work, it sounds great.
Tunnel Vision
On this track, the band dials down their party-hearty tone for a slow heartfelt ballad. The lyrics delve into the feelings of a person longing for their distant lover. The scene is so common, I feel like it can resonate with nearly anyone who’s ever been in love. Fuller is unafraid to wear his heart on his sleeve with lyrics like,
“I woke up inside a dream / where I keep falling over and over for you”
As most ballads go, the song has a mellow tone throughout. The only exception is the slick guitar solo Fuller lays down, which only adds to the sensuality of the track.
Runaways
This is Fuller’s best track vocally. His angelic falsetto is one of the last things you hear before the first chorus comes crashing in. The song is structured so well, that you never know what is going to come next. As the transition hits you, you realize that the switch was not only necessary but what you unconsciously wanted. The song’s bridge is the cream of the crop. Fuller’s wavy guitar is reinforced by harmonic background vocals that are comparable to the likes of the indie rock band, Of Montreal. This moment of pure ecstasy is quickly taken away from the listener as the tempo increases and an epic guitar solo ensues.
A Girl Like You
This song is a cover of Edwyn Collin’s 1994 release. Tokyo Lucky Hole has a pretty solid version of the timeless classic, but their sound doesn’t differ much from the original recording. Nonetheless, it’s still a good track, it just might get mistaken for the original.
Analysis
Satanic Mystery Feast is a pleasant experience from start to finish. With their sophomore release, Tokyo Lucky Hole really proves that they are a force to be reckoned with in the music scene. Their sound is fresh and crisp (shoutout to audio engineer Taylor Hollingsworth), their lyrics are witty and clever, and their style is truly unbeatable. Key tracks from the album are “The Boys (and the Bottle)” and “Runaways”.
All photographs by Parker Day
