Coffee Date & GameChops release Poke Tape 4
Coffee Date is a bit of a legend in the video game cover scene, not only for her association with VGM record label GameChops but for her unique and masterful approach to the lofi / downtempo genre. Coffee Date (real name Evelyn) is a multi-instrumentalist who often implements a variety of live instruments in her music. From sampling her own voice to recording live piano, violin, ukulele, guitar and cello Evelyn’s distinct approach to lofi can feel like a breath of fresh air in a genre space largely occupied by electric keyboards and synth kalimbas. Coffee Date’s latest album with GameChops, Poke Tape 4, offers an excellent sampling of Evelyn’s skill set. Find streaming links for Poke Tape 4 after the track-by-track below.
1. Little Root Town
Sonically the opening of this track has almost a sad-nostalgia feeling but quickly turns towards a joyful discovery feel as the drums and layered plucked strings come in. A stand-out feature of this track to me was the ambient vocals in the background – which I have confirmed is Evelyn’s own voice layered with a synth. I often feel like vocals as an instrument in chill music can become overly intrusive, but her implementation here is perfectly balanced and really heightens the track as a whole.
2. Pokemon Center Lullaby
There’s an adorable little percussion sound in the background when the drums first come that is such a nice subtle touch to give some extra life to a lofi beat. What really stands out to me on this track however is the gliding bassline which underscores the gentle lullaby melody in an almost conversational way. You can almost hear it as the sound of zonked-out Pokemon snoring under the main melody. Then of course the iconic Coffee Date strings come in to add a whole other dimension.
3. Hau’oli City
I hear ukulele! Anytime someone uses a ukulele in a lofi track it’s an immediate win. This whole track emanates sunshine and joy. The syncopated bass over a bouncy drum beat is head bob worthy yet the track remains super smooth and chill. If taking a nap on the beach had a sound it would be this track.
4. Route 1
This track features piano from classically trained pianist Sydney Paige. I’m unfamiliar with Sydney’s work but this track makes a brilliant first impression. The piano is absolutely beautiful and the rest of Coffee Date’s instrumentation does an excellent job of filling out the sound while allowing the piano to shine through.
5. Unwavering Heart
The original Unwavering Heart is such a cinematic and emotional track that could easily lose its character in a lofi cover but this Coffee Date arrangement captures the original movement and feel of the track while adding even more moving layers. Evelyn’s specific style and approach to the genre really shine here and I think it’s a massive testament to her skill that this lofi cover hits even harder than the original soundtrack version.
6. Lavender Town
When I saw Lavender Town was on the tracklist I was really excited to hear Coffee Date’s take. Lavender Town in my mind is just asking to be made into an ominous spooky lofi beat and I included a cover on my (Lofi Cody) Halloween album last year. Coffee Date’s take on the track manages to capture a sombre ambience while still employing her signature bright and organic sound. This might be my favourite Coffee Date track that I’ve heard. Once again she absolutely nails the use of vocals as an instrument, and as always the many layers of plucked and bowed strings were exactly the right choice in this arrangement.
7. National Park
I hear ukulele! The classic Coffee Date strings and the plucky synth sound are excellent but that gentle ukulele strumming in the background brings this track home. At one point as all the swelling elements tame back down you can hear the ever faithful ukulele strumming come forward in the mix once again and I couldn’t help but think of the contrast of the little trainer from New Bark Town wandering through Goldenrod city and seeing National Park for the first time.
8. Gotta Catch ‘Em All!
A little taste of the Red/Blue theme in the intro was a nice touch and the perfect primer for the nostalgia trip that the rest of this track turned out to be. The clean electric guitar for the lead was absolutely the right choice as a nod to the original theme while still keeping the track laidback and chill. This track takes me right back to the days of rushing home after school to catch the latest episode of the show. I could almost cry, and these beautiful layered strings aren’t helping. What a perfect way to end this album Coffee Date has described this as a “mini album” but even with only 8 songs, it takes you on a journey. Highly recommended for lofi fans and especially for those who grew up on Pokemon.