REVIEW

The second EP from Tokyo-based shoegaze band 2beef.

On their first EP, the band surprised many listeners by absorbing a wide spectrum of influences—from US heavy shoegaze in the vein of Nothing and Whirr to 2020s Nu-Gaze—while even incorporating elements of breakcore. Just as distinctive is their worldview, which draws heavily on otaku culture rooted in 1990s–2000s anime and video games. Formerly a trio, 2beef is now officially a duo following the departure of their drummer, consisting of Ueda (guitar/vocals) and Yoh Yanatori (bass), the latter also responsible for the band’s artwork and merchandise design.

This EP unfolds as a concept work built around the theme of isekai—otherworldly reincarnation—inviting the listener to step into a self-contained narrative. With that in mind, let us dive in.

2beef – “Orbs” Track-by-Track

#1 “Helvetica standard”
Following a dreamlike intro, heavy guitars intertwine with gentle vocals to draw the listener into a state of intoxication. The atmospheric passages subtly evoke post-rock textures, offering a sense of comfort akin to being enchanted by magic. The title “Helvetica standard” functions both as an otaku reference—reportedly derived from a manga by Keiichi Arai—and, perhaps, as a design-oriented nod to the Helvetica typeface and its ubiquity.

#2 “(where are you?)”
A sound collage in which pale layers of guitar dissolve into piano tones and whispered voices, blurring the boundary between reality and fantasy. The faint echo of “sayonara” at the end lingers, quietly planting a sense of emptiness.

#3 “unreal”
A slow-burning piece of heavy shoegaze that patiently weaves melancholy. Amid towering walls of sound, an aching vocal line cuts through, tightening its grip on the listener. This track stands out as the EP’s emotional centerpiece.

#4 “if you are still here”
While inheriting the heaviness of the previous track, this closing song introduces a subtle openness, as if light were breaking through the clouds. A fragile sense of hope hovers as the story comes to an end. “If you are still here”—did the protagonist return to the original world, or remain elsewhere? The question is left unresolved.

Compact at four tracks and roughly twelve minutes, the EP nonetheless offers a dynamic arc that actively stimulates the imagination. Isekai narratives are plentiful in popular culture, but this work encourages each listener to envision their own version of the story.

Artwork and Visual Identity

‍Another notable aspect of 2beef is their striking visual presentation. The artwork is unified by Helvetica-style sans-serif typography and a blue-centric color scheme, effectively channeling a Y2K digital aesthetic. This is particularly intriguing given that Yanatori’s personal art practice often leans toward more organic forms—an intentional contrast worth exploring further. Yoh Yanatori (Instagram)

Live Activities and Outlook

‍With support members on drums and guitar, 2beef resumed live activities on August 29, 2025. Their presence and sound reportedly align closely with the forefront of contemporary US shoegaze, suggesting strong potential for future exchanges with overseas acts.

Fans of Nothing, Whirr, Leaving Time, Trauma Ray, or Glare should find much to appreciate here.