Brief & Trunks is a duo of artists famous for singing very comical songs.
I was also introduced to it by a friend when I was a student, and I became quite hooked.
His representative works include "Aonori" (seaweed), "Sanada-mushi" (tapeworm), and "Convenience Store."
However, Britra disbanded once, and for a while, Takayuki Ito continued his solo career.
However, they reformed in 2012 and have continued to create music ever since.
I felt there weren't many websites introducing the songs released after their reunion, so I decided to write this article.
As a side note, I laughed when I clicked on "Profile" on the official website and was redirected to Wikipedia.
Britra's Journey on Foot (March 25, 2015)
Odagiri's Life Radio A
This album takes the form of a radio host named George Odagiri playing the entire new album that he received from Britra on his radio show.
Therefore, this track does not contain a song, but rather a recording of Mr. Ito narrating while imitating the voice of Joe Odagiri.
I don't know if they sound alike, but they definitely have nice voices.
Styrofoam
What seems like a gentle and peaceful song at first glance is actually about a woman's love for her boyfriend, who loves to rub styrofoam, gradually fading away.
The sharpness of the final line, "The styrofoam 98% is made of air, just like the density of my love," is truly characteristic of Britra.
washing machine
This is a cool song with a catchy melody in the interlude that sticks in your head.
I'm criticizing her for not being able to properly use the washing machine and other home appliances.
With its rapid-fire, rap-like delivery and the powerful, relentless energy at the end, this song will definitely make you want to sing it at karaoke.
Melamela Cream
This song is sung entirely in falsetto.
The melody, which evokes a feeling of unease, is incredibly addictive.
This content continues to reveal shocking stories about these unfortunate women.
Many of Britra's songs are about his eccentric girlfriend, but this album in particular seems to be full of songs like that.
Diarrhea
This song features string instruments that create a rich and dignified atmosphere.
The repeated phrase "feeling a bit diarrheal," like an echo, creates a strange rhythm.
zucchini
This song has a rhythmic and comical feel, and it makes witty remarks about foods with funny-sounding names.
The show features many foods with rather dubious names, such as zucchini, gnocchi, and moqueca.
I first learned about "Mukekka" through this song.
The sadness of the separate sale
This song is about the common experience of being disappointed when something is sold separately.
This song evokes a sense of connection, as it's the kind of experience many people have likely had.
Odagiri's Life Radio B
This is the second track in a radio format.
Following the first track, the fictional personality "Odagiri George" continues the introductions.
The show includes segments that mimic commercials, such as mysterious advertisements, and a segment where they read letters from fans.
The scary thing about this album is that even if you don't know much about Joe Odagiri, you can easily imagine that this is how he talks.
Aquarium
This song is characterized by its energetic and memorable melodic interlude.
The lyrics are fast-paced and energetic, so you'll find yourself humming along.
It's a joke about how everyone who visits an aquarium has the same reaction.
This is one of my favorite songs on this album, and I highly recommend it.
Traffic jam: 37 kilometers
This song features a bouncy, swinging rhythm overlaid with a melancholic melody.
This song, written from a woman's perspective, describes the difficulty of having to hold back the urge to urinate while stuck in traffic.
This song is fun because it features wordplay, such as a pun on "Ah, I'm going to leak (it's leaking)" and "Amore."
Judging from the final sound effect, it seems like it leaked out at the end.
Hikikomori rhythm
The song has a similar feel to her early song "Katakuriko," and she sings it in a calm, understated manner.
The content is so realistic that it really hits home.
In a changing city
This is one of those rare, serious songs.
I always listen expecting some kind of comical song, so I only realize it's actually a serious song at the very end.
Forbidden Love Song
As the title suggests, this song is about the pattern of unrequited love.
The song itself is energetic and comical, so there's no sense of tragedy; it has the atmosphere of a comedy drama.
I think it's truly amazing how they consistently create melodies that you can't help but hum along to.
The moment you take hormones
I believe it was also included on his solo album.
Through the lens of hormones that are difficult to chew, I sing about my love for her.
You could call this a song for a yakiniku date, but I don't like offal.
Mother computer
This is a song about the bond between mother and child.
I'm always surprised by the songs that bring me to tears.
Odagiri's Life Radio C
Radio segment number 3.
After the "hot water" commercial, a song called "Seki Odagiri MIX" plays as a farewell.
This song is quite avant-garde, as it uses "coughing" like a musical instrument.
Britra addiction (March 2, 2016)
Tapeworm Returns
Britra's classic hit "Sanada-mushi" is revived as the album's overture.
It gets the listeners who have just started listening excited, as if to say, "Here we go!"
Mobile phone addiction
This is a lighthearted song about mobile phone (smartphone) addiction, a condition that could be described as a disease unique to modern people.
It's not a song that warns against cell phone addiction or anything like that; it's a humorous song about people who are addicted to them.
I found a lot to relate to, and I particularly liked the phrase, "Oh, it's just a number change email. What a hassle."
Legendary Treasure
This song is about relatives sleazing the house in a messy search for their deceased grandfather's inheritance.
I don't know if Mr. Ito actually had this experience or if it's fictional, but it's a story full of compelling narrative.
The ending is rather cliché, but I'm glad it was a happy ending.
pachinko
This is a short song about a woman who is in a dangerous state of addiction to pachinko.
This is a song where Britra simply uses his signature way of separating words to say dirty jokes.
While it didn't quite have the same level of flair as "Mangetsu," it seems like it would be a huge hit with elementary school kids (and that's a compliment).
Isn't that bad?
This song has some similarities to "On the Converse," which I will introduce later.
The song's rhythm, along with the pleasant sound of the chorus phrase, makes it a very enjoyable listen.
Isn't Britra's technique of creating music using the sounds of the lyrics themselves pretty good?
Song of the Weeds
The song seems to be about how even weeds, which are simply pulled out, have a life of their own... but it can also be interpreted as just making excuses for hating weeding.
The fact that it's eventually being invaded by weeds gives it a horror-like feel.
The song itself sounds calm and positive.
Dictatorship
This song is about the tyranny of third-year students in a school club.
Here too, onomatopoeic rhythms are used generously, creating a lighthearted atmosphere despite the lyrics' repressed content.
It also feels like a song that exposes "Mr. Matsushita (Kazu-kun)."
Come to think of it, there used to be a song called "Tonari no Yanagibashi" (The Yanagibashi Next Door).
Salaryman
This is a song that deeply touches the hearts of those who listen to it.
I think many working people will find this relatable.
In the sense that I didn't want to become the kind of adult who could relate to this song, it's one of my least favorites.
shaved head
I've always thought that Britra often writes songs based on real-life experiences, and this song is probably no exception.
If it's not based on personal experience, then who would write a song about "shaving"?
It's an energetic, rock-style song that candidly describes the experience of having one's body hair shaved.
Moon and a one-room apartment
This is a rare song for Britra, as it was composed and written by Mr. Hosone.
I sing about a fluffy, uncharacteristic kind of love, using lyrics that are annoyingly rhyming.
Time capsule
I sing about fairly serious topics with unpretentious lyrics.
A simple guitar sound is used to create a flowing melody.
In the second half, perhaps reflecting a renewed resolve, the melody develops in a new way before concluding.
The Devil's House
This is a song from a series about a unique girl.
The song, delivered in a heavy metal style that evokes anxiety, depicts the horrific state of a filthy, hoarder-filled house.
The use of effects such as screams effectively heightens the sense of fear.
He ends with a rather tacked-on declaration of "I love her," but no matter how you look at it, he's just a kept man.
gauze
It's a song with gentle lyrics and a pleasant atmosphere.
The song expresses a desire to protect the important person in one's life, from a unique perspective.
Full Moon ~Brittra Version~
This is the Brittra version of the groundbreaking solo release.
Unlike the original song, which had an acoustic sound, this rock version has a completely different feel.
The original song emphasized the lyrics more, so I think that's more fitting.
Holding my palm to the full moon (May 17, 2017)
Oh, oh, oh.
This song is about a girl who is indifferent no matter what you say.
As the situation escalates in the second half, her coldness becomes all the more apparent.
This is a great, upbeat song to start the album with; I highly recommend it.
My first airplane
This is another upbeat song, starting with a verse similar to "Zumba".
Do you have any memories of being tricked by a senior colleague about proper etiquette when boarding an airplane?
Sticky House
This song is about a friend who has no manners.
This might be a childhood anecdote, but it's a common experience, especially during elementary school when you're surrounded by all sorts of people.
That miraculous thing
The song is about how the title says "that thing," but the song keeps repeating it throughout.
vice versa
This is my top pick this time around, and I really resonated with the lyrics.
This song has a fast-paced feel and starts with a catchy intro melody.
I definitely think there are people who have this kind of catchphrase.
Overslept
It's a very fast-paced song, and I think everyone has had an experience like this at least once.
When I oversleep, my mind is strangely calm, and I find myself calculating the time backwards.
The sense of urgency is clearly conveyed.
The piece incorporates motifs from Offenbach's "Orpheus in the Underworld," suggesting that Mr. Ito has a deep understanding of classical music.
insect woman
The song is a romantic ballad with a mature atmosphere.
The singing style is reminiscent of "Ishiyaki Imo" (a Japanese folk song about roasted sweet potatoes), and the melody is very lyrical.
Despite all that, the song's subject matter is unexpected, creating a surprising contrast.
roller coaster
As the name suggests, this song is an experimental piece that mimics the situation of singing while riding a roller coaster.
I find Britra's songwriting, which isn't bound by conventional thinking, very interesting.
Classroom pants
The teacher's sharp deductions really shine.
Even though you haven't done anything wrong, it's still hard to bring up something like this, isn't it?
Chinpoji
The song is exactly as it sounds: it's about titles in various situations, sung in a fun and cheerful atmosphere.
The "ching-ching!" sound of a bell or some other instrument expresses the lyrics without any singing, which is quite amusing.
16 Ways to Talk to Someone You Like
The contrast between the serious, heavy metal-style song and the constant stream of sneaky, underhanded advice creates a strangely humorous effect.
The methods in the latter half are too advanced and not helpful at all.
It has something in common with his solo song, "Practical Wisdom for Everyday Life."
Sealed
I'll take something insignificant and turn it into a grand, epic song.
I've never opened the sealed section of a weekly magazine, so I don't really know.
Zudodon
It has a serious atmosphere and deals with various "Zudodon" themes.
I think it's amazing how you can create so many different patterns from the same word.
The interjections of "Zudodon" create a pleasant rhythm.
Alumni reunion
Like "Mushi Onna" (Insect Woman), this song features a melody with depth and sings about common experiences at class reunions.
I feel the cruelty of time passing.
This is another experience that I think almost everyone has had at least once.
After thoroughly dissing his classmates, he tries to wrap things up with a forced, noble statement, but it just doesn't work.
The Dark Side of the Moon ~Brittra Version~
This is another cover of a solo song by Britra.
The song features gentle guitar melodies accompanied by serious lyrics.
A compilation of my personal favorite songs
Well, there were quite a few songs, so I've introduced them rather quickly.
Finally, I'd like to mention my favorite song from the ones I've introduced today.
Basically, I like songs with a fast tempo and distinctive, memorable melodies.
Also, I enjoy listening to songs with fast-paced lyrics.
If you're interested, please give it a listen.
If it's your first time, you might get hooked.
·washing machine
Melamela Cream
aquarium
Isn't that bad?
・Hey hey hey
·vice versa