Tanooki Suit by Bad Sneakers tells a story of revolution set against a backdrop of funky bass licks and a bright piano. The cheery, upbeat sounds are a stark contrast to the heavy themes of violent guerilla warfare. Between song titles such as Super Saiyan and the title track, Tanooki Suit wears its inspirations on its sleeve and certainly has some highlights.
The opening track, Tanooki Suit, sets the bar high with an eerie synth and a groovy bass line. If this album were a video game, the title track would serve as the perfect opening song to introduce players to its world.
The second track, Dance Motherfucker is another fun offering with a catchy, infectious chorus. You can’t help but chant along with the hook. Sadly, this is where the vocals start to become grating. Where the chorus shines, the whiney verses fall flat.
Fuck Around rounds out the first third album with a bang and a massive earworm. It’s a standout track with a bigband-esque brass section that gives it some much-needed oomph. It also continues the trend of a chorus you just can’t get out of your head.
The four-minute instrumental cut, Soleism, is the most listenable track on the album’s back half. Less lo-fi funk and more smooth jazz, the song wouldn’t sound out of place piped into a hotel elevator.
Bad Sneakers manages to find a few moments of greatness with Tanooki Suit. The first three tracks are great, and the concept is intriguing. Have fun singing “You gotta dance! You gotta dance! Get down on the floor and dance! Dance motherfucker!” for hours after checking it out.
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