Anamanaguchi, the alt-punk electronic band, performed on Sept. 17 in Mesa at the Nile Theater. The band is known for its use of various media to create its music. This includes the chiptune genre, which utilizes the simple sound chips from vintage video game consoles and computers, such as those from Nintendo or Atari.
The band has been releasing music together since 2009 and touring since 2019. Their newest album, “Anyway,” which came out on Aug. 8, was something that had been in the works for a long time.
The lead vocalist, Peter Berkman, and drummer, Luke Silas, said that this album “was the easiest [they have] ever really come together [on].” Specifically, the writing and the producing process. Many of their early albums were highly technical, with lots of layered guitars, bass drops, or chiptune being utilized.
Berkman and Silas said that for this album, they “wanted to go back to basics.” They kept things relatively simple, and everything just flowed naturally. When they arrived at the American Football house, where they wrote and collaborated on this album, they spoke about how they “were together every step of the way.”
They spoke about how, in the past, they would write and record separately, but this album was one where collaboration was key. They said that creating this album, everyone was on the same “wavelength”. If one of them started playing a riff and the other members didn’t know what to do or where to go with it, then the idea would be scrapped. They focused on the pieces that everyone contributed to, rather than a song that was written by only one of them.
This is also the first time since the 2020 pandemic that Anamanaguchi has been on tour. When questioned if they had grown accustomed to the stationary life and if it had, in a way, ruined touring, they quickly responded with vigor, “We love touring!” Even though they were only one week into a tour that will bleed into the upcoming year. They showed no signs of wanting it to be over.
They expressed great excitement about being able to play their songs live again. They both agreed that the only proper way to listen to their music was live and in a “room full of misfits.” Even though Berkman said that the “recording is awesome, and as good as it can be,” they now get to do the fun part of being a musician.
Anamanaguchi doesn’t have any plans to slow down or stop; however, they are soaking up this moment. Their album that they’ve been working on is finally done and out; they are not focusing on any new projects just yet, simply living in the moment and enjoying the ride.