FLCL Season 1 Vol 2 (Soundtrack) vinyl

Formed in 1989, Japanese alternative rockers The Pillows would almost definitely have far more global fame if there wasn't this disconnect between their country's renowned music scene, and the industry-dominating West's priorities in terms of what is perceived to be marketable. Things are changing, but nevertheless Japanese artists and outfits are still largely considered specialist interests in the UK and US, when really many, such as this crew, pack significant appeal to the relative-mainstream. Rant over, apologies, here we have the second instalment in the score to the first season of FLCL, a cult animated series created by Adult Swim which tells the story of a 12-year-old boy coming of age. As such, the tunes here are predominantly garage rock and skate-y punk, although even when doing those there's elegance and experimentation evident. Then you have pan-pipe moods, twinkling ambience, and all kinds of one-off tones, resulting in a genuinely engaging ride from start to finish.