What to Watch for: Kero Kero Bonito

Take the colorful singalong melodies of your kid's favorite childhood TV program, combine them with retro Nintendo soundbites and sprinkle in some Kawaii, and you have Kero Kero Bonito. The eclectic trio from London recently caught my attention with their latest tune titled "Sick Beat." The beat itself sounds like a glitched up mix of the Super Mario 64 soundtrack. It's not quite dance music in the traditional sense, but it'll get you moving your body with its innocent, stripped-down campiness. Vocalist Sarah Bonito adds a special dynamic as well. Her inflection is like a scoop of the highest quality vanilla ice cream--plain but delectably sweet. Her word-association captivates me like a five year old kid on "Kero Kero Bonito." Can you say "BA-NA-NA?" On the other hand, Sarah really is a well-rounded lyricist. In addition to the fact that her lyrics are split between Japanese and English, she boldly confronts sexual stereotypes on "Sick Beat"; "It's often said I should get some girly hobbies instead/ But that thought filled me with dread/ I'm not into sewing, baking, dress making, not eating, bitching, submitting." KKB's approach to music is minimal but delivers maximum fun to my ears. Their debut EP "Intro Bonito" is MIA for now, but is set to be re-released through Double Denim records on August 25th.