I had never heard of Shugo Tokumaru before today. But moments ago everything changed – cause as usual Oh Antonio is a late bloomer.  

Tokumaru released Hikageno as his latest single. Shugo sings explicitly in Japanese and pens lyrics based on his dreams. Often he plays most instruments but opened his doors to Deerhoof drummer Greg Saunier. Greg played along to click tracks. 

Shugo feels at liberty to jump from 4/4 to 3/4 and back again with ease.  On Hikageno, ST’s lead guitar at the 2:06 mark will melt the best of faces. And plays an essential mimicking horn at 3:26 mark. 

Plus on his song Lita-Ruta, Shogu detunes Greg’s percussion and playfully bounces vocals across the stereo plane.  And lawd, that acoustic guitar that comes in at the 3:06 mark – wow.

I can’t wait until Shugo comes to Texas.  I’ll drive anywhere within this state to see him. Maybe he will let me buy him a whiskey. 

Musical hearts, Antonio!