{"title":"Lip Cream","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9-shocks-terror","title":"9 Shocks Terror","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eThis is the ultimate mini-album that can proudly be called Lip Cream! \u003cem\u003e 9 Shocks Terror\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehas remained timeless since its original release in 1986, embodying incomparable speed and a level of perfection that defines Japanese hardcore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpening with ‘Terror,’ which goes straight into reverse audio and needle skips, the song structure charges forward relentlessly, shaking off the catchy, humorous, and approachable vibe that had previously defined Lip Cream. Naoki's noisy yet melodic guitar, Pill's wild drums, Minoru's heavy yet high-speed bass, and JhaJha's intense shouts that still allow the lyrics to be clearly heard—all these elements fuse together to create powerful tracks that have reached an unprecedented sound. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecorded at Shinjuku Jam Studio,\u003cem\u003e 9 Shocks Terror\u003c\/em\u003e was composed primarily by Minoru and Naoki, with lyrics and artwork by JhaJha. JhaJha's hand-drawn jacket illustration was a parody of The Fuzztones' album\u003cem\u003e Cinderella\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdditionally, an English translation of the lyrics is included for this Relapse release, helping English-speaking listeners understand the unique world of Lip Cream. Interestingly, the title \u003cem\u003e9 Shocks Terror\u003c\/em\u003e was revised to 9 Shocking Terror on the 2007 CD reissue by ONI Label. This revision was made after illustrator Pushead, who has a long-standing relationship with Lip Cream, pointed out a grammar error. However, the original title has been restored out of respect for the original work for this Relapse reissue. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFollowing the release of this album, Lip Cream launched their self-managed national tour “Bloody Summer Tour,” and fans who bought the album rushed to the gig. Additionally, during a show at Doshisha University in Kansai in the autumn of the same year, torches were brought onto the stage and Jha Jha set them ablaze, causing absolute chaos (footage of this incident can be viewed in the video “Lip Cream Only”).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relapse","offers":[{"title":"LP - Half Green and Half Purple with Splatter","offer_id":55800095965515,"sku":"R6659-1775","price":26.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP - Royal Blue","offer_id":55800095998283,"sku":"R6659-0318","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":55800096031051,"sku":"R6659-0618","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/2000x2000bb_44c16d4b-aa91-44a9-95b6-1c51840615a8.jpg?v=1761774507"},{"product_id":"big-foot-cassette","title":"Big Foot Cassette","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFollowing the departure of Lip Cream drummer Maru, the album now titled \u003cem\u003eBig Foot \u003c\/em\u003ebecame the first release with the legendary Pill joining the band. Originally, this release had no official title and was commonly referred to as ‘Kill the IBM’ which was printed on the center of the cover. However, according to Lip Cream  vocalist JhaJha, who was responsible for the artwork, “The words ‘Kill The IBM’ were part of the design and were not intended to be the title.” To avoid such misunderstandings, the title has been officially named \u003cem\u003eBig Foot Cassette.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis release features an unconventional design with an EP-sized jacket came with the cassette tape. The Studio Side includes recording tracks from Shinjuku JAM Studio. The Live Side includes recordings from a live performance at Chiba Mothers on 24th of November 1984 and another live performance recorded at Shibuya Yaneura in the same year (date unknown). The content is filled with playful spirit characteristic of Lip Cream , and it is rare to hear Minoru on vocals for a Johnny Thunders cover song. According to Minoru, the reason for releasing it exclusively on cassette tape was influenced by Bad Brain's \u003cem\u003eRock For Right\u003c\/em\u003e which emerged as the cutting-edge hardcore sound of the time. However, after 40 years from recording, the original cassette tapes had deteriorated, causing a pitch speed problem (the 2008 release \u003cem\u003eThrash Til Death \u003c\/em\u003eCD’ by ONI Label includes only the Studio Side, but this is also the pre-remastered version).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eThis digital remaster successfully recreates the original recording, including the pitch. Additionally, it marks the first-ever simultaneous release of an LP and CD, not just a cassette reissue. Furthermore, the ‘Manager\/Driver Wanted Flyer’ originally included in the EP-sized jacket has been reprinted. It is included as a bonus alongside the cassette release advertisement (flyer design by Naoki). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relapse","offers":[{"title":"LP - Half Black and Half Yellow","offer_id":55801322602827,"sku":"R4543-0420","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP - Highlighter Yellow","offer_id":55801322635595,"sku":"R4543-8962","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":55801322668363,"sku":"R4543-4587","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/BIGFOOTCASSETTE.jpg?v=1761781746"},{"product_id":"close-to-the-edge-1","title":"Close to the Edge","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eLip Cream’s third album Close to the Edge was released just one year later after the release of the legendary \u003cem\u003e9 Shocks Terror.\u003c\/em\u003e This album is also a masterpiece packed with songs that represent the essence of Lip Cream.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eThis album differs slightly from the band’s previous production style, with the band leader Minoru's intentions strongly emphasized. Minoru was deeply influenced by the works of Go Nagai at the time, according to JhaJha, particularly in terms of ideology. He sought to fuse the apocalyptic themes and worldviews found in Nagai's works, such as “Devilman” “Mao Dante” and “Guerrilla High” into Lip Cream's musical style. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe jacket artwork depicting a giant octopus swallowing the whole Earth, as well as the colour palette evoking outer space, were all Minoru's original concepts. The airbrush art, which was rare at the time, was created by illustrator Kohno Shinji. The title logo, handwritten band logo, overall layout, and label design were all handled by JhaJha.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eClose to the Edge\u003c\/em\u003e recordings took place on December 21, 22, and 23, 1987, and January 10, 1988, at Shinjuku Jam Studio. At this time, Lip Cream  was going through a period of internal conflicts among the members, which may have contributed to the intense tension created by the harshness of the music and JhaJha's unique choice of words in the lyrics.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eThe physical version of this album features an English translation of the lyric. However, Lip Cream sincerely hopes that English-speaking listeners will also raise their fists and sing along to the phrases in Japanese. There is meaning in conveying the message in Japanese.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relapse","offers":[{"title":"LP - Orange Krush with Splatter","offer_id":55801343246667,"sku":"R6698-5774","price":26.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP - Orange","offer_id":55801343279435,"sku":"R6698-7166","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":55801343312203,"sku":"R6698-7843","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/CLOSETOTHEEDGE.jpg?v=1761782582"},{"product_id":"kill-ugly-pop","title":"Kill Ugly Pop","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eLip Cream's first full-length album, \u003cem\u003eKill Ugly Pop,\u003c\/em\u003e is a work that can be called epoch-making in Japan's hardcore\/punk scene. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eThe Japanese hardcore movement that emerged between 1980 and 1981 was characterized by fashion such as Trojan and spiky hair with studded jackets, and the sound was also heavily influenced by UK hardcore. However, Lip Cream The band incorporated American hardcore into their sound, and created a uniquely Japanese-hardcore niche that was still unfamiliar to most Japanese listeners at the time.\u003cem\u003e Kill Ugly Pop \u003c\/em\u003emarks the era of Lip Cream that presented a new genre style that has since evolved uniquely in Japan. For this Relapse release, \u003cem\u003eKill Ugly Pop \u003c\/em\u003efeatures digitally remastered audio, preserving the band’s raw intensity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eThe lyrics, which were written by vocalist JhaJha, blend Japanese and English in a remixed rhythm and word choice, and are masterfully crafted. Tracks like ‘Give Us the Truth’, ‘For My Life’, and the album title \u003cem\u003eKill Ugly Pop\u003c\/em\u003e showcase JhaJha's exceptional talent as a lyricist. For this Relapse release, the lyric sheet has been fully reprinted with English translations. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe artwork features lavish and playful elements. The design, a collaboration between photographer Jin Sato and painter Yasuo Yagi remains innovative, redefining the traditional image of hardcore\/punk at the time. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relapse","offers":[{"title":"LP - Milky Clear with Splatter","offer_id":55801362940235,"sku":"R7318-9143","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP - Royal Blue","offer_id":55801362973003,"sku":"R7318-1175","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":55801363005771,"sku":"R7318-6857","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/KILLUGLYPOP.jpg?v=1761783289"},{"product_id":"thrash-til-death","title":"Thrash til Death","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the distinctive features of Lip Cream is their extensive participation in compilation albums and contributions to other artist’s works, in addition to their solo releases. Including live recordings and cassette tapes, they have contributed to a total of 13 compilation albums, and when combined with live videos, the number becomes staggering.\u003cem\u003e Thrash til Death\u003c\/em\u003e features tracks selected from six compilation albums released between 1986 and 1987, starting with the title track 'Thrash til Death' (named by Naoki). It also includes rare tracks from albums such as “A Farewell to Arms” and “Virus” which were previously difficult to find.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eFeaturing digitally remastered audio, the\u003cem\u003e Thrash til Death\u003c\/em\u003e jacket artwork has been newly designed. Notably, “M meats Your Poison” features artwork based on the original illustration by Guy (Gudon, Blood Sucker Records). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eAs the ultimate compilation of Lip Cream's omnibus recordings, this release is the best of the best to date, and the long-awaited complete edition for fans worldwide is nothing short of a miracle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relapse","offers":[{"title":"LP - Neon Yellow","offer_id":55801375392075,"sku":"R6771-7311","price":26.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP - Milky Clear","offer_id":55801375424843,"sku":"R6771-8998","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":55801375457611,"sku":"R6771-4281","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/THRASHTILDEATH.jpg?v=1761783720"},{"product_id":"zui-sin","title":"Sin","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eLip Cream's final album, \u003cem\u003eSin\u003c\/em\u003e. Originally released without a title, commonly referred to as “The Last Album”, features an unconventional structure where audio skit and songs alternate, created with an extremely serious concept that sets it apart from all previous releases. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe production of \u003cem\u003eSin\u003c\/em\u003e  was also entirely based on Minoru's concept like with the\u003cem\u003e Close to the Edge\u003c\/em\u003e. However, the audio drama segment included in the original release was proposed by Minoru to the members in a rehearsal studio, where he shared his ideas. Upon hearing the apocalyptic themes, Pill volunteered to write the script himself. At this time, tensions between Minoru and Pill over the band's direction, coupled with Pill's negative vibes toward the members' preferences, reached a boiling point. This stress manifested itself during their touring, pushing the emotions of the other members and staff to the brink, severely impacting the band's ability to continue, ultimately leading to break up - the worst possible outcome.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt was a challenge to translate the audio skit parts into other languages, and while an English translation of the script was considered as an appendix, Minoru suggested during the remastering process that ‘we want listeners to hear the songs themselves,’ leading to the decision to cut all drama parts for this edition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe tracks include “– Sin – “which also serves as the album title, featuring lyrics and sound filled with anger and despair that shake the listener's spirit. Additionally, the overall concept of the album was rooted in Minoru's apocalyptic theories at the time but tracks like ‘Guren’ composed by Pill and lyrics by JhaJha, showcase a collaborative effort among the members, which is particularly intriguing from a historical perspective of the band.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFurthermore, JhaJha's artwork successfully captures Minoru's concept, featuring illustrations that are simple yet deeply conflicted, with a black-and-white color scheme, and even the lyric cards are composed in black and white, effectively conveying the abstract visual aspects of the album's message.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eThough this album is widely regarded as their final work, it continues to deliver an enduring message to us even 30 years after its release.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relapse","offers":[{"title":"LP - Olive Green with Splatter","offer_id":55801466421579,"sku":"R7570-3734","price":26.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP - Silver","offer_id":55801466454347,"sku":"R7570-6114","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":55801466487115,"sku":"R7570-9941","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/SIN.jpg?v=1761785200"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/collections\/lip-cream.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}