The hottest authentic soul jazz band from Fukuoka, UTENA, is here! The first release from EXHUME EXHUME PRODUCTION, a new label run by Horishi FLATT THE LAIDBACK, who also works as a DJ, and releasing works produced by sound production!Side A is a cover of the Japanese mellow groove classic Natsu Hikari ni/Tasumiko Yamaga with a black, smoky soul-jazz arrangement, and side AA MOON is the ultimate organic new soul song written by vocalist KAYO and composed by guitarist Soraha aka KEIJI. His debut work and signature song, Double Cider, is a double A-side single!Profile:Soul jazz band based in Fukuoka. Formed by Yamagiwa Mai (Key), Seigo Takeshita (Dr.), and Toshiyuki Morishige (Bass), each of whom has played a variety of genres of music. 'UTENA' refers to a flat-topped table on which things can be placed. In Buddhist terminology, it means a lotus pedestal on which a Buddha or Bodhisattva is seated. The name was chosen with the hope that it would serve as a beautiful platform for the sensibilities and expressions of the musicians who perform with us.Based on UTENA, we have held live performances with various guest musicians, and in March 2023, Kayo (Vo) and Akakeiji Soraba (Gt) joined. We began our full-fledged activities as a soul jazz band with a crossover of various elements. In August 2024, under the production of DJ FLATT THE LAIDBACK, he will release his debut 7-inch work, Summer Light /MOON, from the emerging label EXHUME EXHUME PRODUCTION.Track list:Side A: Summer Light/ Tasumiko Yamaga, a masterpiece that has long been highly supported by Japanese groove connoisseurs and is now globally recognized and popular, is considered a '20's classic'. Cover with the next level best jazzy soul arrangement! A gorgeous and emotional singing voice, a guitar bursting with tearful riffs, a pleasantly fluctuating keyboard tone, solid and tight drumming, a lively and ridged bass line, and percussion that hints at an ethnic side. The one-of-a-kind groove that brings everything together embodies the bitter ending of an adult's love, which is a little different from the original song.In addition, the indigenous trumpet and psychedelic effect guitar ensemble introduced in the second half invite the listener to another space, or rather, to a paradise.Side AA: MOONAn original song that represents UTENA, which has a dramatic and magnificent worldview that begins with a light guitar phrase. KAYO's positive and gentle lyrics combine the evanescence and yearning for a future filled with unseen hope with the light of the moon, and the strong and beautiful singing voice will bring tears to your eyes. Just like side A, it's a great masterpiece of Japanese new soul that will captivate anyone, with it's tearful guitar play, beautiful keyboard play, and iron-clad rhythm section all coming together!Track list:Side A: Summer LightSide AA: MOON
Release date:
August 9, 2024
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Pre-Amp
Compact, high-performance phono preamplifier for both MM and MC cartridges, delivering a clean, detailed signal with minimal noise.
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
KAROL G Tropicoqueta (Tropical Blue) [2xLP]
Bichota Records/Interscope
September 26, 2025 -
Halima Sweet Tooth (Red)
Drink Sum Wtr
September 19, 2025 -
Finger Eleven Last Night on Earth (Silver)
Better Noise Music
November 7, 2025 -
Maruja Pain To Power
Sony International Network
September 12, 2025 -
Curtis Harding Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt
Anti
September 5, 2025 -
Orbit Culture Death Above Life [2xLP]
Century Media
October 3, 2025 -
Before The Dawn Cold Flare Eternal (Blue Splatter)
Reaper Entertainment
September 12, 2025 -
Dropkick Murphys For the People [2xLP]
Play It Again Sam
October 10, 2025 -
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Beethoven's Last Night (Deluxe) [2xLP]
Atlantic Catalog Group
September 12, 2025 -
Wavves Spun
Many Hats Dist
October 3, 2025 -
Calum Scott Avenoir (Transparent Pumpkin Spice)
Capitol
September 12, 2025 -
Buckingham & Nicks Buckingham / Nicks
Rhino Records
September 19, 2025 -
Joanne Robertson Blurrr
AD 93
September 19, 2025 -
The London Suede Antidepressants
Bmg
September 5, 2025