Though they haven’t exactly been dormant, the return of Kero Kero Bonito is noteworthy. The British trio recently released the first cut from a forthcoming record—the sequel to 2019’s Civilisation I EP. A lot has changed since then, for the band and in the world, and “The Princess and the Clock” is a tale that coincidentally describes involuntary solitude before it was en vogue. Watch the animated music video for the single below and pre-order Civilisation II on Bandcamp.

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“‘The Princess and the Clock’ is the tale of a young explorer who is kidnapped while sailing the world, imprisoned at the top of a tower and worshipped as royalty by an isolated society. Trapped in her chamber, she spends years dreaming of escaping, until one day she disappears. A legend of our own invention, ‘The Princess and the Clock’ was written before Covid emerged, though the long, lonely hours and escapist dreams its protagonist experiences will be relatable to many right now. It’s a song for anyone who has ever felt trapped, lost and alone.” – Kero Kero Bonito

Time is a threat to the heroine of “The Princess and the Clock.” (Relatable.) I hope she was able to listen to some Kera Kera Bonito records as she painted landscapes, or those hours would have felt even more agonizing.

The hyperpop group gained fame earlier in their career for high-octane interpretations of j-pop like Kyary Pamyu Pamyu; the bridge of their recent single exemplifies the unique Kera Kera Bonito style. Synths eagerly drop in alongside an overzealous drum machine, as if the instrumentation itself were trying to please the princess.

To say that Civilisation II is their first new music in two years isn’t exactly accurate. Last November saw the release of Bugsnax, a PS5 adventure game, and Kera Kero Bonito was responsible for its theme. The extended version of “It’s Bugsnax!” is a must-listen. They also put out a cover of “Heartbeat” by Late of the Pier on Christmas. “The Princess and the Clock” is a perfect segue back into the ever-expanding pop landscape of Kera Kero Bonito. Look out for the new EP in April.

Pre-order Kera Kero Bonito’s Civilisation II on Bandcamp. Follow Kero Kero Bonito on Instagram and Twitter.

by: Zoë Elaine