Emerging from Vancouver’s vibrant indie rock scene, Shimbashi Station has just dropped their debut full-length album, Take Off! — a collection that beautifully captures their evolution from a spark of an idea in a Tokyo train station to a staple of the local live circuit.

The band’s name and inspiration trace back to a jingle once played at Japan’s Shimbashi Station in 2019, a nod to their love of Japanese pop culture and nostalgic city pop aesthetics. Over time, they’ve shaped a distinctive sound, blending indie rock energy with smooth synthwave textures and retro-tinged city pop grooves. The band’s lineup features Cody Clark on lead vocals and guitar, Kristian Goze on drums and vocals, Jeffrey Felix on keys and guitar, and Ivar Swanson on bass and vocals.

In the context of Vancouver’s indie rock landscape, Take Off! feels like a refreshing shift — shimmering synth lines, breezy melodies, and dreamy atmospheres that hit just right whether you’re on a night drive or watching the sunset. The album isn’t just a milestone for the band as their first full-length release; it’s a meaningful addition to Canada’s indie scene, showcasing a sound that’s both nostalgic and effortlessly current.

I have to shout out the album artwork too — it immediately caught my eye. Dreamy and delicate, it features koi fish ascending into the sky, a visual metaphor for movement, change, and chasing fleeting moments. It perfectly mirrors the album’s vibe: smooth indie rock laced with city pop flourishes and synthwave shimmer, offering listeners a transportive, feel-good sonic escape.

Top 3 Tracks I Can’t Stop Spinning:

• Mistakes Were Made But Here We Are
• El Demonio
• Suture Self

If you haven’t yet, you can stream Take Off! on all major platforms like Spotify and Amazon Music. And if you’re curious about their electric live energy, check out the photos I took from their album release show at Green Auto on March 23rd — dreamy lights and ethereal atmosphere!

As Shimbashi Station continues to perform and evolve, Take Off! serves as a compelling addition to their sound and a promising indicator of what’s to come.

Follow Shimbashi Station on Instagram for updates on new releases, and keep an eye on Nariwired for more fresh pics from your favorite bands.