Two decades into its existence, the Japanese band RADWIMPS refused to settle sonically. That mindset is on full display on its 2021 full-length, Forever Daze. The group spent the previous few years working outside of its comfort zone, primarily by creating soaring orchestra-backed soundtracks for the animated films of director Makoto Shinkai. A desire to experiment with new sounds alongside RADWIMPS’ signature Brit-rock-indebted sound carried over to its own works. On its 12th studio album, RADWIMPS adds hip-hop beats and electronic flourishes to the mix—without losing the emotional core defining its work since 2001. RADWIMPS flirted with rap in the past, and the band’s vocalist-guitarist, Yojiro Noda, had explored the genre in his solo work. Forever Daze, however, finds the band going deeper into the style. Noda draws inspiration from the rattling production of 2010s Southern rap on the swaggering “Tokumeikibo”, which finds the singer attempting his own flow. RADWIMPS brings in thundering Japanese MC Awich on “Shiwakucha”, a cut merging guitar theatrics with thumping percussion. The musical versatility here extends to electronic styles. RADWIMPS uses ample synthesiser throughout Forever Daze to give songs, such as “Twilight” and “Grand Escape”, a dreamier atmosphere. Noda applies Auto-tune to his backing vocals on “Makafuka”, creating a dizzying backdrop for him to work over. The introduction of new sounds is balanced by the band’s continued interest in the anthemic rock and soaring ballads it became known for. Forever Daze captures RADWIMPS’ musical strengths but also a group eager to explore new styles.