On An Ocean Amp

On An Ocean Amp is an experimental electronic duo. Formed in Texas in 2000, the two have since parted ways, at least geographically, with singer Kaori Hashimoto now living in Tokyo and everything-else-man Mike McGuire sticking it out in Texas. With a single album released in 2003 and only a couple more songs afterward, it would seem as through things have slowed way down for OAOA.

Which is too bad, because they can make some great music. While many experimental Japanese groups end up following the tired out Shibuya-kei sound, OAOA follow their own path, some parts Nobukazu Takemura, some parts Takako Minekawa, some parts totally original. Many songs sound like broken robots playing some sort of staggered ragtime, others sound like Aphex Twin cast-offs that have grown into something all their own. Over it all, Hashimoto's mid-range voice is sprinkled like an exotic spice. They've also remixed music for the likes of Eel and Mac Donald Duck Eclair.