TANUKI

TANUKI creates a sound that feels like a sugar rush in a Tokyo arcade. It is a relentless, high-energy collision between the smooth, nostalgic melodies of 1980s Japanese city pop and the aggressive, euphoric rhythms of UK hardcore. The music is characterized by its incredible speed, often hovering in the 160 to 170 BPM range, yet it maintains a shimmering, polished pop sensibility that keeps it accessible despite the intensity.

What sets TANUKI apart is the surgical precision of the sampling. He takes the soulful, brassy hooks of disco and funk and chops them into staccato bursts of pure adrenaline. The production is maximalist and bright, utilizing heavy compression and crystalline synth layers to create a wall of sound that feels both vintage and futuristic. It is the sound of a digital native reimagining the past through a lens of modern rave culture.

Start with the 'Ascent' album for a masterclass in modern J-core, or seek out his 'Plastic Love' remix to hear how he transforms a slow-burn classic into a high-octane dancefloor weapon. It is perfect for anyone who finds standard house music too slow and wants their nostalgia served with a side of sonic whiplash.