Casino Versus Japan – Go Hawaii

Casino vs Japan ventures out from Wisconsin to GO HAWAII, and he packs a suitcase full of fun electronic music with him, whether the fuzzy "Theme" that fades out with the ghost of the traditional steel guitar or the mellow perks of "It's Very Sunny" and "Local Forecast." A touch of ice graces "Late For School," while the woozy "Metrobolt" swoons around like a drunkard until it engages into a odd dance with "Over Island." Sure, the sounds can get a bit twee at times, but it's part of the album's overall charm. "Medery" dips into slightly more abstract territory with its digital tones and a hazy moodiness takes over "Warm Windows." And, finally, the ending title track drifts like sea foam off of rocks until the guitars bring the islands back. A pleasing diversion for fans of ISAN and the like.

Erik Kowalski's second album as Casino Versus Japan is an ambient-techno postcard from the nation's sunniest state, though the only obvious references to Hawaii come with the faraway slack-key guitar on the opener "Theme" and the delightful vocal samples of a preschooler on "It's Very Sunny." Elsewhere, Go Hawaii is a superb album of chill-out techno-pop — heavy on the spacious synth, minor-key melodies, and crunchy percussion programs. Check "Local Forecast," "Late for School," and "Over Island" for some of the dreamiest techno to come out of the American underground, or "Dielectric Saints" for an atmospheric soundclash between dub and noise-pop.

I have been listening to electronica since 1993 and I always was looking for some particular sonority and tempo. When I came across Boards of Canada I thought that was the one, but nothing prepared me to what "go hawaii" gave. Is the best album I have ever heard. Coinidentally, it also happens to me that I can listen to it every day, without getting enough.

Now I dream to hear Casino vs Japan live, which I don't even know if that's possible...

go hawaii sounds like boards of canada scoring a charlie brown tv special, called "aloha, charlie brown." but it sounds neither like boards of canada, nor a charlie brown musical score. it is simple, sensual, and promotes a very sunny mood. what it lacks in sophistication it more than makes up in personality. i can't believe it took so long to discover this album; highly recommended whenever you need a hot summer night with warm beats and fuzzy tones and simple, lazy melodies.

This is the one album I own that has avoided becoming victim to many car break-ins, thefts etc. It is also the one album that I can say that I've listened to almost everyday since I purchased it over a year ago. I really can't get enough and can't get tired of hearing it. I bought it from an indie shop in Kansas City, MO at the advice of the clerk.. It's travelled around the world with me and now resides with me in Seoul, Korea. BUY IT! You won't be dissappointed. It is trance music in the pure sense of the word. I'm not talking about boom boom boom.. I'm talking about sexual trance.. You mind will go to other places. It helps me sloooooooowwwwwww doooooowwwwwwnnnn.. James.

i've forgotten where the eject button in my car cd player is. i can't get enough of go hawaii. if you can find this cd, do not hesitate to pick it up as it's worth more than it seems to sell for. most tracks are synthed dreamlike melodies that fade in and out.