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IgikoPop – ‘1st MIX’ Brings Operatic Vocals to Tokyo Pop-Rock
Tokyo pop-rock four-piece IgikoPop describe their sound as “loud, catchy, a little bit kawaii”. On their ten-track album ‘1st MIX’, that playful streak meets the expressive voice of Alaska-born singer and composer Josie (Josephine Jones). A classically trained vocalist who also works in video game voice acting, Josie fronts a line-up completed by guitarist Connor Bruce, bassist Kevin and drummer Shin. The meeting of operatic vocals and driving guitars gives the album a distinct character, while the band’s ear for a melody makes it easy to settle into their sound.
‘GamePlan’ Sets the Pace
At just 47 seconds, ‘GamePlan’ gets straight to the point. Upbeat melodies and relatable lyrics make for an immediate introduction, and we love how much energy IgikoPop fit into such a brief opener. ‘Nice Guys’ carries that momentum forward, with driving instrumentation giving its heartfelt storytelling a sense of urgency. There’s conviction in the performances, and the push of the band keeps the story moving.
‘Boundaries’ Brings the Lyrics Closer
‘Boundaries (English Ver.)’ shifts the focus towards the words. A line like “It’s in your eyes, you don’t understand at all” lands because it’s so plainspoken. There’s frustration in that moment of realising someone still hasn’t understood you, and the intimacy of the lyric makes it one of the album’s most striking passages.
IgikoPop return to ‘Boundaries’ in Japanese to close the record. It’s a satisfying way to end an album by a Tokyo band that writes primarily in English. By then, we’ve already had a chance to get to know the song, so hearing it in another language gives us a reason to pay closer attention to the phrasing and melody.
‘CTR’ and ‘Warcrimes’ Show Two Sides of the Band
‘CTR’ gets off to a bright start, and its upbeat melodies linger long after the song ends. Josie’s range is a highlight here. Her voice has the reach to make the melody soar while keeping the hook easy to follow.
‘Warcrimes’ opens with palm-muted guitar, giving the rhythm a clipped edge. The chorus is the part we kept coming back to. It feels like an old friend each time it returns.
Hear IgikoPop on Record and on Stage
What draws us back to ‘1st MIX’ is the way the band make room for both punch and tenderness. Josie’s range catches the ear, but it’s the interplay between her voice and the band that gives the hooks their lift. Add the playful touches and the quieter moments of candour, and you have a record with more to offer each time around.
‘1st MIX’ is available to stream now. IgikoPop are also set to play Shinjuku ANTIKNOCK on 4th January 2027 and Shinjuku HEIST on 28th January 2027. Find the album and a full live set through IgikoPop’s Linktree.
https://www.instagram.com/igikopop_official
https://www.instagram.com/igikopop_josie/
FVMusicBlog November 2026
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