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Those he’s hailed as yet another in the long line of today’s chiptune artists who hail from the UK, there’s really nothing chiptune-y about Shirobon outside his old stuff (see “Lightspeed Lucy” below), which is about the closest you’ll hear someone come to using a Game Boy to make a techno song, awesomely.
For the most part, however, Shirobon leaves behind the 8-Bit soundtracks of his youth to focus on making compelling and, dare we say, actual pop songs. He’s also been known to utilize genres as diverse as dubstep, hip-hop, and techno to deliver his musical vision. “Monster” is the best example of this, being draped in the predictably grimy wobble-n-bass dubstep has to offer — before cascading into sounds of traditional electronica, and even delving into somewhat jazzy undertones that at times recall a David Lynch movie soundtrack. Instead of going the more chaotic route, as is the case with so many dubstep enthusiasts, however, Shirobon espouses strong structure and a vaguely Top 40 appeal, as songs like ‘Supernatural’ prove: here’s a guy who could easily be on the Billboard charts over here as well as overseas.
Then there’s the R&B overtones of “Never Let Go,” his collaboration with Hunz, proving that Shirobon seems all-too-willing to venture outside his comfort zone and mix in as many genres as possible. Part of this might be largely due to his willingness to collaborate, as he’s worked with everyone from fellow UK stars Camden Cox to Jared Fortune and even Mike Posner, and often to great benefit.
Bottom line is, if you’re looking for a break from the usual dubstep — which so often favors noise and effects over songwriting ability — Shirobon is a welcome break from it all.
Jeff Nau – who has written 1264 posts on The Jace Hall Show.
Jeff Nau is a main contributor to the Jace Hall Show covering pop culture and music trends in the nerd community. He has contributed to San Diego City Beat, 944, and Ill Literature, amongst others, and spends his spare time working as an artist and photographer.

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