I start my game and stare at the screen, expecting to see the game’s menu. No, wait, that is real life, and I’m zoning out while my son tries to put on his shoes as we’re leaving for daycare—nobonoko’s album, How Many Cats Are In This Picture?, is chirping happily in the background. As we load into the car, I’m reminded of my favorite PlayStation 1 game, Crash Bandicoot, but with a more celebratory and cheerful demeanor—just as goofy, though.
The jams are the perfect soundtrack for anyone who wants to feel good without understanding why they feel good. A young child babbling and waving their arms around at daycare personifies this album; or your cat blissfully purring in the corner, rolling on its back, staring up at the sky, and meowing affectionately—don’t kid yourself, though, you had nothing to do with that.
Melodically, everything coalesces into a joyous raucousness, only letting up for a brief midway breather, and at the end, to signal to the dance class that the session is up: go grab your drinks and a shower. Fans of the cute, slice-of-fantasy-life that is many a video game, take note: this is how you create a nostalgic, exuberant, and memorable atmosphere without the name-brand recognition; without the cute mascots that you grew up with, wearing a hat with a certain letter, jumping down the you-know-whats to save the you-know-whos from the evil forces of cuddly critters standing in your way. This is a brand-new adventure anyone can embark on: just press the play button and follow the music as it tosses down a rope ladder to a treehouse full of pirates, astronauts, explorers—whatever you’re feeling that day.