Coming from the English term Mental Health, this subgenre is often seen as rather controversial overseas due to artists using mental health issues as a shock aspect. The genre is characterized by the use of bright pastel colors combined with taboo mental health topics like self harm, depression and suicidal ideation in the song lyrics which are often presented in a more cute way and in a more positive light.
This is often received as grotesque or morally questionable in the west, but in Japan it’s instead received as a coping mechanism for certain people who experience these issues in their daily life. (This is however not the case for everyone, so the genre is still considered to be a niche within a niche.)
Calmando Qual are about to release their third full album, titled “BLACK SHEEP”, on June 27, 2012!
The album will be released through Starwave Records, and even though the official release date is set for the end of June, you can secure your copy early starting at May 18 during the release