:Life Cycle (Sakerock album)

Sakerock was formed in October 2000 by students of the {{ill|Jiyu no Mori Gakuen Junior and Senior High School|ja|自由の森学園中学校・高等学校}} in Hannō, Saitama, at the initiative of frontman and guitarist Gen Hoshino.{{cite web|url=https://thetv.jp/person/1000056988/|title=Sakerockのプロフィール|trans-title=Profile of Sakerock|website={{ill|The TV|ja|ザテレビジョン}}|language=ja|publisher=Kadokawa|access-date=July 11, 2024}}{{cite interview|author=Sakerock|author-link=Sakerock|url=https://tower.jp/article/series/2010/12/20/72995/73167|title=SAKEROCK10年の10大事件をメンバーみずから解説! -- (1)|trans-title=Sakerock Explain Ten Facts Behind Their Ten Years (1)|language=ja|magazine=Bounce|date=December 20, 2010|access-date=July 11, 2024|via=Tower Records Japan|archive-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404071228/https://tower.jp/article/series/2010/12/20/72995/73167|url-status=live}} It initially consisted of Hoshino, drummer Daichi Itō, bassist Kei Tanaka, and keyboardist Takuji Nomura, who would gather at a classical music cafe in Nakano, Tokyo. They invited Kenta Hamano, who declined in order to focus on work as a vocalist, but still acted as a supporting member, playing flute and sax.{{cite web|url=https://www.hmv.co.jp/artist_SAKEROCK_000000000217948/biography/|title=Sakerock - Biography|language=ja|publisher=HMV Japan|access-date=July 11, 2024}} Named after the Martin Denny song "Sake Rock" (1959), the band performed instrumental exotica and lounge-styled songs that incorporated elements of kayōkyoku.{{cite interview|author=Sakerock|author-link=Sakerock|author2=Young Kakari-chō|url=https://tower.jp/article/interview/2004/04/23/100039026|title=サケロック - インタビュー|trans-title=Sakerock - Interview|language=ja|magazine=Bounce|date=April 23, 2004|access-date=July 11, 2024|via=Tower Records Japan|archive-date=July 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711110333/https://tower.jp/article/interview/2004/04/23/100039026|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/music/artist/824|title=Sakerockのプロフィール|trans-title=Profile of Sakerock|website=Natalie.mu|language=ja|access-date=July 11, 2024|archive-date=May 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513162104/https://natalie.mu/music/artist/824|url-status=live}}

Before performing live, Sakerock produced one hundred copies of an eponymous demo album in 2002 in collaboration with Mihoko Kamimura of the band {{ill|Momonashi|ja|桃梨}} for vocals, which were placed over melodies based on keyboards and the traditional Japanese kokyū. They spent half a year recording their debut studio album Yuta (2003) at a bar in Kunitachi, Tokyo, which they described as their first form and "zeroth album".{{cite web|url=http://sakerock.com/disco_g/index.html|title=Sakerock > ディスコグラフィー|trans-title=Sakerock > Discography|work=sakerock.com|access-date=July 11, 2024|archive-date=December 14, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051214103850/http://sakerock.com/disco_g/index.html|url-status=dead}} Nomura departed the band shortly before the album's release and Hamano officially joined as a trombonist.{{cite web|url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/a/sakerock/155186|title=SAKEROCK|website={{ill|CDJournal|ja|CD Journal}}|language=ja|access-date=July 11, 2024|archive-date=February 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225220344/https://artist.cdjournal.com/a/sakerock/155186|url-status=live}} After joining Compare Notes, a record label run by editors of the music magazine Map, they recorded the mini-album Ian Ryokō within two days at a studio in Osaka. Lacking a keyboardist, they shifted the center of their melodies to Hamano, who would also become their mascot of sorts, appearing on the front of covers and their website. Invited by the record owner, Sakerock joined the line-up of indie label Kakubarhythm, who then co-released Ian Ryokō with Compare Notes in 2004.{{cite interview|author=Sakerock|author-link=Sakerock|url=https://tower.jp/article/series/2010/12/20/72995/73169|title=SAKEROCK10年の10大事件をメンバーみずから解説! -- (2)|trans-title=Sakerock Explain Ten Facts Behind Their Ten Years (2)|language=ja|magazine=Bounce|date=December 20, 2010|access-date=July 12, 2024|via=Tower Records Japan|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310012524/https://tower.jp/article/series/2010/12/20/72995/73169|url-status=live}} By the announcement of Life Cycle, they had built a reputation within the live house scene.{{cite magazine|url=https://tower.jp/article/news/2005/03/22/100004787|title=SAKEROCKがニュー・アルバム『ライフサイクル』発表|trans-title=Sakerock Announces New Album Life Cycle|language=ja|magazine=Bounce|date=March 3, 2005|access-date=July 11, 2024|via=Tower Records Japan|archive-date=July 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711190823/https://tower.jp/article/news/2005/03/22/100004787|url-status=live}}

{{listen

|type = music

|filename = Ana o Horu (sample).wav

|title = "Ana o Horu"

|description = "Ana o Horu", the lead single and second track of Life Cycle. With the departure of Nomura, the band shifted the front of their melodies from keyboard to Hamano's trombone. Written by Hoshino, the song features the trombone in the place of where vocals would be used.

|pos = right

}}

Life Cycle was written about daily life; Hoshino said it embodies "insignificant, interesting livelihood".{{cite web|last=Tsuchida|first=Mayumi|url=https://mikiki.tokyo.jp/articles/-/6255|title=ディスコグラフィーから辿るSAKEROCKが『SAYONARA』を告げるまでの15年|trans-title=Sakerock's 15 Years Leading Up to Sayonara|language=ja|website=Mikiki|date=April 17, 2015|access-date=July 12, 2024|archive-date=July 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712104358/https://mikiki.tokyo.jp/articles/-/6255|url-status=live}} Out of 13 tracks, Hoshino composed six ("Seikatsu", "Ana o Horu", "Old Old York", Hima to Ame", "Sam", "Korosu na", "Senshu") and Tanaka composed four ("Hiraki Naori", "Happy End", "2, 3-nin", "Tsuwamono Nikki"). They co-wrote "Bon Umauma-kun no Rap" with Itō, and Hoshino co-wrote the medley "Mata Kite ne, Kyoto" with Hamano. Since Hoshino had previously sang during acoustic live performances, he wrote his songs with a lyrical-like melody and had Hamano "sing" with trombone.{{cite interview|author=Sakerock|author-link=Sakerock|last2=Murao|first2=Hiro|url=https://tower.jp/article/interview/2005/06/09/100039520|title=SAKEROCK - Life Cycle Interview|language=ja|magazine=Bounce|date=April 23, 2004|access-date=June 9, 2005|via=Tower Records Japan|archive-date=October 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221029024930/https://tower.jp/article/interview/2005/06/09/100039520|url-status=live}} In addition to his usual ad lib scat singing, Hamano performs freestyle rap vocals on "Bon Umauma-kun no Rap". Pedal steel guitarist Ren Takada, marimba player Takeo Toyama, acoustic guitarist Ryo Takematsu, and tapdancer Mirai Moriyama are featured as guest performers on certain tracks.

The album was recorded at Alchemy Studio in Osaka City. Unlike Yuta and Ian Ryokō – which had been produced at home or with limited time – Life Cycle was their first album recorded steadily. It is an exotica album that incorporates genres such as jazz, Latin, and American folk / roots.{{cite web|url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/life-cycle/4105040974|title=サケロック / ライフ・サイクル|trans-title=Sakerock / Life Cycle|website={{ill|CDJournal|ja|CD Journal}}|language=ja|access-date=July 12, 2024|archive-date=July 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710164000/https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/life-cycle/4105040974|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Kito|first=Takao|url=https://tower.jp/item/2496466/LIFE-CYCLE|title=LIFE CYCLE|language=ja|magazine=Bounce|date=June 2005|access-date=July 12, 2024|via=Tower Records Japan|archive-date=July 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713121028/https://tower.jp/item/2496466/LIFE-CYCLE|url-status=live}} Hiro Murao, editing an interview with Sakerock for Bounce magazine, described the album as "foot-worked funk beats" and "drunken jazz", with feelings of punk and pop.

On January 11, 2005, Sakerock released "Ana o Horu" and "2, 3-nin" as a double A-side single. They announced Life Cycle on March 22, 2005, and were reported to have finished production by April.{{cite web|url=https://www.cdjournal.com/main/news/sakerock/8716|title=SAKEROCK、1stアルバムついに完成!|trans-title=Sakerock Has Finally Finished Their First Album!|website={{ill|CDJournal|ja|CD Journal}}|language=ja|access-date=July 12, 2024|archive-date=July 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710164004/https://www.cdjournal.com/main/news/sakerock/8716|url-status=live}} As the sole label, Kakubarhythm released the album on June 8, 2005. To commemorate the release, the band embarked on the tour {{nihongo|Sakerock Chindochu @ Nishinihon|サケロック珍道中@西日本|extra={{lit|Sakerock's Incident-Filled Journey @ Western Japan}}}} and performed at the Club Quattro live house. A DVD recording of the performances was announced on September 9, 2005, under the working title {{nihongo|Tabi de Deatta Guzen-tachi|旅で出会った偶然達|extra={{lit|The Coincidences We Met During the Trip}}}}. By Kakubarhythm, it was released under a renewed title of {{nihongo|Gūzen no Kiroku|ぐうぜんのきろく|extra={{lit|Chance Log}}}} on November 16.{{cite web|url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/-/4205090577|title=SAKEROCK/ぐうぜんのきろく [DVD]|trans-title=Sakerock / Gūzen no Kiroku (DVD)|website={{ill|CDJournal|ja|CD Journal}}|language=ja|access-date=July 12, 2024|archive-date=July 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713121100/https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/-/4205090577|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://tower.jp/article/news/2005/09/05/100005653|title=SAKEROCKがライブDVD「旅で出会った偶然達（仮）」発表|trans-title=Sakerock Announces Live DVD Tabi de Deatta Guzen-tachi|language=ja|magazine=Bounce|date=March 3, 2005|access-date=July 12, 2024|via=Tower Records Japan|archive-date=December 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207131955/https://tower.jp/article/news/2005/09/05/100005653|url-status=live}}

Life Cycle did not appear on the Oricon Albums Chart dated within its week of release, indicating having sold less than the 647 copies of 300th place's Atarashiki Nihongo Rock no Michi to Hikari (2003) by Sambomaster.{{cite web|url=https://ranking.oricon.co.jp/contents/ranking/past_chart/ranking.asp?p=6&chart_kbn=11A&chart_dt=2005%2F06%2F13&term=w&start_y=2005&start_m=6&start_d=1&end_y=2005&end_m=7&end_d=15|title=アルバム週間300 - 2005/06/13付 [250~300]|trans-title=Weekly Top 300 Albums - 2005/6/13 (250~300)|url-access=subscription|language=ja|publisher=Oricon|date=June 13, 2005|access-date=July 12, 2024|via=the You Taiju service}} Despite the lack of commercial success, the album received warm reviews from Japanese music critics, who complimented its style and noted the mixture of genres. The staff of CDJournal called it a high quality sound encompassing jazz, funk, exotica, mondo (Italian for "world"), and American roots. Summarizing the band's atmosphere as "four drunkards", they described the album as pleasant jazz and Latin grooves, mixed with comical scatting and dull horns. Writing for Bounce, reviewer Takao Kito praised the album as showcasing a range of musicality, whilst remaining true to the instrumental genre at its core. He wrote that it composes exotic and funky rhythms, with a pleasant mood in the trombone and marimba contrasted by elements of humor. In a retrospective article for Mikiki covering Sakerock's full discography, Mayumi Tsuchida enjoyed the focus on daily life. She highlighted the group's performance and Hamano's rap vocals.

In the site's profile of the band, the staff of Natalie.mu wrote that Sakerock's appearances in media rose with the album's release and audience for their live performances grew. Kakubarhythm issued a reprint of the album on September 16, 2009. A lyrical cover of "Ana o Horu" was recorded by Hoshino for his solo debut album Baka no Uta in 2010.{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/31133|title=星野源ソロ「ばかのうた」に細野コラボ、SAKEROCKカバー|trans-title=Gen Hoshino Collaborates with Haruomi Hosono and Covers Sakerock on Solo Album Baka no Uta|language=ja|website=Natalie.mu|date=April 27, 2010|access-date=July 13, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219175650/https://natalie.mu/music/news/31133|url-status=live}} Itō assisted him on the two-show touring effort, also performing a cover of "Senshu".{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/35007|title=星野源ソロライブ東京公演でなつみさんの誕生日を祝福|trans-title=Gen Hoshino Celebrates the Birthday of Viewer Natsumi During Tokyo Show of Solo Tour|language=ja|website=Natalie.mu|date=July 22, 2010|access-date=July 13, 2024|archive-date=May 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507173810/https://natalie.mu/music/news/35007|url-status=live}} Life Cycle was not available digitally until September 22, 2021 – 16 years after release and six years after Sakerock's disbandment – when it was released to streaming platforms alongside the rest of the band's albums and singles.

Credits adapted from the album liner notes.{{cite AV media notes|author=Sakerock|author-link=Sakerock|type=Liner notes|date=June 8, 2005|title=Life Cycle|lang=ja|publisher=Kakubarhythm|id=KAKU-013}}

;Sakerock

• All members{{snd}} arrangement (all tracks)
• Kenta Hamano{{snd}} composer (9); lyricist (7); scat, trombone (all tracks)
• Gen Hoshino{{snd}} composer (1–3, 5, 7, 9–12); acoustic guitar, electric guitar (all tracks)
• Kei Tanaka{{snd}} composer (4, 6–8, 13); bass (all tracks)
• Daichi Itō{{snd}} composer (7); drums, percussion (all tracks)

;Guest musicians

• Ren Takada{{snd}} pedal steel guitar (8)
• Takeo Toyama{{snd}} arrangement, marimba (3)
• Ryo Takematsu{{snd}} acoustic guitar (13)
• Mirai Moriyama{{snd}} tapdance (2)

{{Track listing

|headline = Life Cycle track listing{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/jp/album/life-cycle/1585829843|title=LIFE CYCLE - SAKEROCKのアルバム|trans-title=Life Cycle - Album by Sakerock|language=ja|publisher=Apple Music Japan|access-date=July 10, 2024}}

|title1 = Seikatsu

|note1 = 生活, {{lit|Livelihood}}

|music1 = Gen Hoshino

|length1 = 4:08

|title2 = Ana o Horu

|note2 = 穴を掘る, {{lit|Dig a Hole}}

|music2 = Hoshino

|length2 = 2:07

|title3 = Old Old York

|music3 = Hoshino

|length3 = 3:50

|title4 = Hiraki Naori

|note4 = 開き直り, {{lit|Fighting Back}}

|music4 = Kei Tanaka

|length4 = 2:51

|title5 = Hima to Ame

|note5 = 暇とあめ, {{lit|Free Time and Rain}}

|music5 = Hoshino

|length5 = 4:51

|title6 = Happy End

|music6 = Tanaka

|length6 = 2:50

|title7 = Bon Umauma-kun no Rap

|note7 = ボーンうまうまくんのラップ, Bōn Umauma-kun no Rappu, {{lit|Rap of Bon Umauma}}

|music7 = {{hlist|Hoshino|Tanaka|Daichi Itō}}

|length7 = 3:22

|title8 = 2, 3-nin

|note8 = 2，3人, Ni, San-nin, {{lit|Two, Three People}}

|music8 = Tanaka

|length8 = 5:54

|title9 = Mata Kite ne, Kyoto

|note9 = また来てね / 京都, Mata Kite ne / Kyōto, {{lit|Come Again / Kyoto}}

|music9 = {{hlist|Kenta Hamano|Hoshino}}

|length9 = 5:54

|title10 = Sam

|note10 = サム, Samu

|music10 = Hoshino

|length10 = 2:19

|title11 = Korosu na

|note11 = 殺すな, {{lit|Don't Kill}}

|music11 = Hoshino

|length11 = 2:15

|title12 = Senshu

|note12 = 選手, {{lit|Sports Player}}

|music12 = Hoshino

|length12 = 3:03

|title13 = Tsuwamono Nikki

|note13 = 兵日記, {{lit|Soldier's Diary}}

|music13 = Tanaka

|length13 = 5:08

|total_length = 45:50

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = CD (bonus track)

|title14 = Seikatsu

|note14 = Umauma-kun Iiwake Version; うまうまくん言い訳バージョン, Umauma-kun Īwake Bāshon, {{lit|Umauma's Excuse Version}}

}}

;Notes

• "Hima to Ame" is titled {{nihongo|"Shinano-machi"|信濃町||"Shinano"}} on the original 2005 CD release.
• "Bon Umauma-kun no Rap" features lyrics written and performed by Hamano.
• "Mata Kite ne, Kyoto" is a medley.

{{reflist}}

• {{YouTube|Life Cycle|p=OLAK5uy_kPe6fEIA3ITQC6eX0jHlKypXkcCwtcemg}}

{{Gen Hoshino}}

Category:2005 albums

Category:Sakerock albums

Category:2000s instrumental albums

Category:Latin jazz albums by Japanese artists