Halfby is a Kyoto-based DJ with a bunch of releases on the Second Royal label (though I think he’s moved on now to a much larger label, Toy Factory). Astute readers will note that Second Royal is also the home of Handsomeboy Technique, which should give you a pretty good idea of what Halfby’s all about: upbeat, sample-heavy breaks and hip-hop. Halfby’s approach is less pop, more groove; it’s basically Handsomeboy Technique on permanent “party” mode, which may appeal to you if you lean more towards the Avalanches than the Go! Team.

That’s a lot of names to throw at you, and if you don’t know who any of those bands are you might still be a bit confused. So let me put it to you straight: this is infectious breakbeat music, peppered liberally with lounge influences and coated with a sugary pop sheen. It’s like a party in your ears and everyone’s invited. Apparently the kids in Japan actually dance to this stuff in clubs; if that’s the case, then we all need to move to Japan right the hell now, because the kids in Japan are clearly way cooler and way more fun than we are. Halfby’s been around for a while, with a radio hit and praise from the likes of Pizzicato Five under his belt, but has only released on album to date. Recently, however, he’s been putting out a series of singles through Toy Factory, which is where “Screw The Plan” comes from. It’s insanely catchy, and there’s a bizarre music video to boot (also including “Rodeo Machine,” off the album Green Hours):