With summer just around the corner, “LIFE” by Kimaguren (キマグレン) is bright enough to make even the darkest basement-dwelling hermits want to come out of their shells and catch some rays.

“LIFE” is Kimaguren’s second single and it arrives just in time for summer. The anthemic track beams with the ‘life’ that only the two vocalists and acoustic guitar can deliver. About being alive, the song includes both Japanese and fluent English lyrics. ISEKI (vocals/guitar) and KUREI (vocals) exchange verses before their voices come together for LIFE’s refrain and hook.

The song certainly takes the listener to the same place as the PV: a sunsoaked, sandy beach. The only thing missing is the sound of the ocean in the background.

“LIFE” is actually a re-release from a mini album of the same name. “LIFE”, the mini album came out in July 2007. That’s no problem though. The new “LIFE” single includes a great b-side (”月光浴”) and has a playful PV to go along with it.

Kimaguren define themselves by 3 L’s: “LIFE + LOVE + LOCAL”. Their island-flavored sound is a culmination of “reggae, hip-hop, latin, bossa nova, and rock”.

The duo formed 2005 and released an independent single (想い思い) and mini album (LIFE) before signing with UNDER HORSE RECORDS in mid-2007.

ISEKI (井関靖将, Iseki Yasumasa) and KUREI (榑井勇輝, Kurei Yuuki) have a world of experiences that have contributed to make them and Kimaguren. Both are natives of Zushi, Kanagawa. ISEKI lived for some time as a child in Singapore and KUREI attended Syracuse University.

Watch the PV for “LIFE” (complete with lyrics overlaid):

Buy “LIFE” by キマグレン