Ginger Root’s “SHINGBANGUMI” is marvellous, both musically and visually

Cameron Lew, better known as Ginger Root, returns to drop a whimsical new LP, SHINBANGUMI. With this record, the Southern California multi-instrumentalist welcomes fans to his most ambitious project yet.

Since 2017, Lew has carefully crafted works encompassing everything from songwriting and production to visual artistry. Combining his love for music and film, Ginger Root provides fans with an experience across different mediums. That talent for sight and sound has allowed Ginger Root to tour globally with acts like Khruangbin, Omar Apollo, and The Marias. However, Ginger Root’s funky synth-pop truly stands on its own with excitement surrounding the new project!

I highly recommend watching each music video released to accompany SHINBANGUMI. Lew’s attention to detail keeps each video entertaining and engaging as he follows up his 2022 EP Nisemono. Lew started his own media company showcasing a blend of 80’s Japanese aesthetics with miniature dioramas that keep your attention focused with tunes that keep you moving. Paying close attention to song arrangement, Lew worked with his band and input with longtime video collaborator David Gutel. “If you watch music videos one through eight, you’ll be presented with a story that’s comparable to a traditional movie; something I’ve always wanted to do”.

SHINBANGUMI begins with a bang following an introduction instrumental “Welcome,” with “No Problems”. You are greeted with an upbeat sound that challenges listeners to face the obstacles ahead: “Go get what you want. Get hip to the signs and then you get lost in your thoughts. Just trying to prove what’s with you now?” 

The catchy chorus gets stuck in your head with baseline and guitar riffs that won’t let go. This sense of swagger takes over admitting while there is much hardship in life; you have to take the good with the bad.

The following track doubled down on the dread with “Better Than Monday”.  This quirky lo-fi tune puts a mirror to our united hatred of monotonous weekly routine. The ending repeats the line “It’s the waiting that you do (Whatcha doing, whatcha doing?)” over and over like the weeks that slip by without any action being taken.

“There Was A Time” hits with everything including the kitchen sinks. It starts off with dreamy, Bossa nova-like guitar riffs then immediately shifts into a more energetic tune. Soft filtered vocals contrast against the handclaps warping synth and gnarly baselines. Before the instrumentation gets too out of hand, Ginger Root pulls it back ending the song in the same way it started in a state of bliss. The following track, “All Night,” leans heavily into the funk. The lyrics don’t distract you keeping listeners grooving along with a 2-step and “whomping” bass playing in the background. The second half of the track kicks it to high gear focusing solely on the funk fulfilling the concept of being out all night.

“Only You” is yet another delightful simple song (again I recommend watching the music video). The majority of the lyrics repeat the manta over a disco-style rhythm, “Only you, come on baby,” but the passion is there for each delivery. Ginger Root explains, “I wanted to sit down and be in the mindset of, if I were to write a true City Pop song, what would I want it to sound like?”

My favourite track on the entire album is “Show 10” and I’m glad to hear Lew sees it as the heart of the record. He states the inspiration stems from touring and feeling burned out. “I remember walking out into the crowd and seeing all the people who had high hopes for this show. I was like, man you know, I’ve got to give it 10. I’ve got to show my best.” He certainly accomplishes it over the 5-minute song and the entire album. “Show 10” is allowed to breathe and transforms through layers going into a whimsical tour as Ginger Root brings you along.

Ginger Root’s SHINBANGUMI is truly a unique experience. Since discovering the band, I was intrigued by what the new album would be like and it didn’t disappoint. It’s imaginative and allows Cameron Lew to showcase his skills as a storyteller both as an exceptional musician and visual artist blending his love of Japanese and French pop with some Philly soul. Ginger Root will be touring this fall so go check them out because tickets are going fast!

Cover image by Cameron Lew