It's About Time Everyone Knows Chai Are Fun

The Japanese pop punkers explore bubblegum and R&B on the infectious WINK

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On “Nobody Knows We’re Fun,” their latest single for their new album WINK, Chai sings, “uh, wow, oh my gosh, nobody knows we are fun, this is a big issue.”

I wholeheartedly agree. It is a big issue, and the upbeat grooves and chant alongs on their third record prove that even the biggest cynic will find Chai to be fun.

Formed in Nagoya in 2012 and now based in Tokyo, Chai is led by twin sisters Mana on vocals and Kana on guitar, with bassist Yuuki and drummer Yuna. After the success of their first two albums, the band has signed to the legendary Sub Pop label for WINK, an album written during quarantine meant to find positivity in tough times.

On the blissed-out opener “Donuts Mind If I Do,” Mana implores everyone to fall in love with something, even if it something as simple as donuts. Continuing with positivity in food themes, “Maybe Chocolate Chips” is a pep talk regarding body imperfection, imagining moles as chocolate. Chicago rapper Ric Wilson shows up for a verse that works curiously well.

“ACTION” is a cheer squad effort written in support of last summer’s BLM demonstrations. Declaring that “action is more than words,” Chai is here to give comfort in that “everything will be ok.” “END” switches things up with Yuuki laying down a fat, distorted bassline over a beat that sounds like the Chemical Brothers in their prime.

“PING PONG!” is an 8-bit treasure produced by chiptune band YMCK that flows between Japanese and English, which is the case for most of the lyrics on WINK. Another successful collaboration is the track “IN PINK,” in which Chai enlists Los Angeles-based Mndsgn to help with its hazy California flow. “Wish Upon a Star” and “Salty” finish out the album on a chilled-out, comforting note.

Chai’s previous album, PUNK was my introduction to the band. Filled with frenetic guitar work, I couldn’t get enough with “Feel the BEAT” still in heavy rotation (be sure to check out this awesome KEXP set as well). The growth from PUNK to WINK is enormous, as Chai has taken the jump and it’s paid off. With WINK, the guitars are less present, and instead, the songs are full of big-time grooves, wonderful harmonies, and smothering synths.

Bouncing around from R&B to city pop and electronica, Chai is ready to take on the world with WINK. With one listen, you’ll be rooting them on as well.

WINK is available now on Sub Pop.