mekakushe has long trod a line between hyper-accessible and all-out arty, those traits often merging to conjure a somewhat-subversively experimental pop. Her second major record akogare [longing] continues that trend with a set of pop tunes underlain with unconventional textures and styles. The most significant development is the scale of mekakushe’s sound here: she spreads further than ever, heading from full-hilt pop (“Booi fuddo [Boyhood]”), anthemic indie (“Suimii [Swimmy]”) and dainty singer-songwriter stuff (“Nichiyoobi [Sunday]”] to winding glitch pop (“Kimi no yoo ni nareru kana [I wonder if I can be like you]”) and tracks with blazing noise freakouts (“Grapefruit”). Not just sprawling but consistent in its sprawl, akogare is quite possibly the most comprehensive mekakushe album thus far. Read mekakushe’s Selector here.

Listen to “Grapefruit” below.