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Photo credit: Rae Mystic [Download Hi-Res)
“Indie-pop with sweetness but also with nerve and muscle.”
- STEREOGUM
“Fully-formed, confident and glorious.”
- DIY
“Straight up hi-fi rock.”
- VICE
“Shifts between sadcore balladry and uplifting indie rock, all covered in a layer of fuzz.”
- BROOKLYN VEGAN
“A punchy rock-out reminiscent of the grunge heyday.”
- UNDER THE RADAR (NZ)
Shunkan, the LA-based rock project of Marina Sakimoto, is excited to share “Prettier,” the third single off Kamikaze Girl, her new album out May 6, 2025 via Houston’s Rite Field Records. “Prettier” is packed with meaning, featuring heartfelt lyrics that grapple with self-identity while navigating the complexity of relationships. The song moves from melancholy to anger, communicated by initial slow-pulsing beats that transform into gritty, emotional guitar.
“Originally, Prettier didn’t have a chorus like it does now, and Alex (Newport) really encouraged me to find a melody that would complement the rest of the song,” Sakimoto explains. “I naturally gravitate toward writing bubblegum hooks, and I was worried it might become limiting—but I’ve learned to lean into my strengths while still feeling free to explore. Prettier feels like an exposed nerve, but I hope it resonates with anyone else who feels like they don’t fit into conventions.”
LISTEN TO “PRETTIER”
PRE-ORDER KAMIKAZE GIRL
Recorded last year in Joshua Tree, CA and produced by Alex Newport (Death Cab for Cutie, Melvins, The Mountain Goats), the forthcoming record inspects how to put things back together after falling apart. Heralding the announcement was “Hellbound,” a hazy, melancholic track that expects the worst and wants the best. Grounded by Sakimoto’s honeyed vocals, brightly toned guitar riffs reverberate like late-night memories and desire-driven mistakes. Following “Hellbound” came the single “Usual Suspects,” a high-energy, punchy track reminiscent of early 2000s emo. Sakimoto’s powerful voice and heavy guitar riffs center around lyrics that navigate life amid chaos.
LISTEN TO “USUAL SUSPECTS”
LISTEN TO “HELLBOUND”
Shunkan signed to Rite Field Records last fall and quickly mapped out her first full-length offering since 2019’s Cumberland Falls. Sakimoto first debuted the project in 2014 with her first EP, Honey, Milk and Blood, which earned praise from the likes of DIY, Brooklyn Vegan and Far Out Magazine. Shunkan’s critically acclaimed first LP The Pink Noise, arrived in 2014 with fan favorite tracks, “Garden” and “S.A.D.” This year will mark the release of her most refined and introspective album yet, Kamikaze Girl.
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