Shugo Tokumaru: Port Entropy Review

Artist: Shugo Tokumaru
Album: Port Entropy
Label: Polyvinyl

Japanese singer-songwriter Shugo Tokumaru made his debut Polyvinyl release earlier this year with Port Entropy. A melodic, folky, honest and fun record composed of traditional Japanese, appalachian folk, classical and modern day instruments. Shugo has been at it for nearly a decade with delicate singing in uplifting rhythms. Now only if I knew what he was saying…

Port Entropy is very well-rounded in all aspects and has an addictive quality. So, beware if you have an addictive personality.The album is very easy to listen from the short, pop instrumental opener “Platform” to the folky album ender, “Malernia”.

Some key tracks are the softly executed, like the piano track “Linne”, the xylophone explosion that is “Lahaha”, the pop anthem “Rum Hee”, and the riff-frenzied “Straw”, which is my favorite off the album. Go pick up Port Entropy and listen to it, then afterward tell me you didn’t have a great day.