Routes, The – The Twang Machine LP

3rd pressing.

Formed in 2006, Although far away from the Tokyo garage scene, THE ROUTES are undoubtedly one of the most prolific underground garage bands in Japan of the last decade. 2021 saw THE ROUTES release three studio albums (two of which were instrumental), taking their album tally up to 10 studio albums. It's 2022, and not showing any signs of slowing down THE ROUTES bring you 'Twang Machine'.

Imagine a bizarre alternate universe in which the Moog synthesizer was invented before the guitar, and visiting thrift stores you'd find records such as THE VENTURES 'Guitar Indigo' and DICK DALE 'Twanged On Bach!?!' Well, here is a record that could well be from that universe! THE ROUTES - 'Twang Machine'. Yes! Ten slices of KRAFTWERK arranged into mid-sixties instrumental rock 'n' roll/surf guitar bangers. An aural testament to THE ROUTES' love and respect of the music of KRAFTWERK. Hear 'Showroom Dummies' reimagined as a Spaghetti Western film opening theme, 'Radioactivity' drenched in reverb ala THE ASTRONAUTS 'Trans Europe Express' at shinkansen speed racing to burst the sound barrier, and many more of KRAFTWERK's classic songs such as 'The Model' or 'Autobahn' as you could never imagine them.

Whether you see it as musical blasphemy or musical alchemy, this album is set to become a cult classic, destined to irk or jerk future generations for years to come.
(Topsy Turvy/ 2024)

Tracklist:
A1 Computer Love
A2 The Model
A3 Pocket Calculator
A4 Showroom Dummies
A5 Tour De France
B1 The Robots
B2 Autobahn
B3 Radioactivity
B4 Trans Europe Express
B5 Neon Lights