[USA] cover

Released 7 years ago this October

[USA]

Anamanaguchi · 2019

52 min · 14 tracks · electronic music

An energetic fusion of chiptune and rock, blending nostalgic 8-bit sounds with modern electronic textures.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    [ U S A ] — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious energy and catchy hooks, making it an immediate standout. Its themes resonate with a sense of identity and belonging in a digitally connected world.
  • →
    Sunset by Plane — This track encapsulates the album's sonic exploration, blending lush melodies with intricate rhythms that evoke feelings of travel and adventure. Its dynamic arrangement keeps listeners engaged from beginning to end.
  • →
    We Die — As one of the closing tracks, it offers a poignant reflection on existence and mortality, contrasting the upbeat nature of earlier songs with deeper lyrical content. The emotional weight here showcases the band's range and maturity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic chiptune and rock elements with varied pacing and production techniques.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast tempo, maintaining this pace through the first half before introducing more varied rhythms.
  • The final three tracks slow down significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier intensity.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • vibrant energy for road trips
  • dynamic peaks and valleys
  • nostalgic vibes with modern flair
  • short bursts of catchy melodies

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, soundscapes
  • dislike upbeat, lively tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2019, Anamanaguchi released USA as their first album since the critically acclaimed Endless Fantasy in 2013. The band continued to evolve their sound, integrating more expansive production techniques and a broader range of influences while maintaining their signature chiptune aesthetic. This album marks a significant step in their career as they explored new thematic territories.
Stylistic neighbors
Sabrepulse· Carpenter Brut· Disasterpeace

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • [ L O M ]

    The final verse shifts perspective dramatically, leading to a moment of introspection that contrasts with earlier lines filled with bravado.

    This shift not only alters the emotional landscape of the song but also invites listeners to reflect on their own vulnerabilities amid a seemingly carefree narrative.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 [ U S A ] 3:18
  • 2 Lorem Ipsum (Arctic Anthem) 4:49
  • 3 The C R T Woods 4:17
  • 4 Speak to You [Memory Messengers] 1:41
  • 5 Sunset by Plane 4:42
  • 6 Air on Line 4:59
  • 7 Apophenia Light [Name Eaters] 1:46
  • 8 Overwriting Incorporate 5:24
  • 9 B S X 2:52
  • 10 On My Own 3:58
  • 11 Up to You 2:30
  • 12 Tear 3:24
  • 13 We Die 6:12
  • 14 [ L O M ] 2:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata