Newly formed power group Xavier announced that they will be debuting with a brand new vinyl, “Call In Sick/ 球体 (Cue-Tie)” September 15. Xavier is a new collaborative project by three heavyweight musicians - guitarist Masayuki Ishii who was a mainstay of city-pop outfit The Chang, as well as TICA and Gabby & Lopez, ZAK a sound engineer and has worked with Fishmans, BOREDOMS, Ryuichi Sakamoto among others and Yumiko Ohno, the bassist of the ever sonically transforming Buffalo Daughter, and long-term collaborator with Cornelius. In a series of singles, they will be working with guests who in their own projects have been chasing after spirits of J-pop perfection. The first of these works will feature chelmico, a rap duo fronted by Rachel and Mamiko who had a hit single with ”Easy Breezy”, the theme for popular anime series Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken. The B side features Moeka Shiozuka, the guitarist and vocalist of Hitsuji Bungaku. 

"Call In Sick" is composed by Ishii with chelmico taking over the duties of lyrics and vocal melodies. It's a mesmeric dance single full of 80s electro-funk flair, groove-carving bass hooks and chelmico's trademark one-two punch quick-witted rapping. The B-side Cue-Tie (Sphere)" features guest vocals from Moeka Shiozuka whose towering voice resonates deeply with a moving ballad that glimmers with shoegaze progressions and orbs of morning dew. The cover artwork by trendsetting illustrator Mayu Yukishita is another highlight and rounds off a single showcasing the creative heartbeat of contemporary artists in Japan. 

As we look forward to the upcoming release be sure to check out pre-order “Call In Sick/ Cue tie” below!

Standard edition 

Xavier「Call In Sick/ Cue tie」

LP

A) Call In Sick feat. chelmico

B) 球体 feat. 塩塚モエカ