Le Makeup: “Play” [ft. Tohji & gummyboy]
Osaka-born singer-producer Keisuke Iiri, or Le Makeup, typically specializes in music with icy, minimal electronic production and sad boy vocals that’d fit any member of Drain Gang. His latest single “Play,” from his forthcoming self-produced album Odorata, puts him in the more springy, kinetic pop direction of an artist like Mura Masa or PinkPantheress. Bouncy plucked strings and a 2-step beat provide a lush backdrop as featured rappers Tohji & gummyboy zip through verses, one adopting a whimsical AutoTuned yodel and the other singing in a deep croak. Le Makeup’s own verse comes with confessions and goodbyes (“この夜できっとさよなら”/“this night will certainly be our farewell”), but instead of making you turn away defeated, the buoyant music compels you to stay just a little longer.