It's hard not to nod your head and tap your feet while listening to Introducing Yoshida Brothers, the new album by the 20-something duo from Japan.
The Yoshida Brothers are no rock band, but Ryoichiro and Kenichi play the classical three-stringed shamisen like rock guitarists.
Their music is a fusion of old and new, east and west. The album is a collection of songs which blend traditional Japanese folk with jazz, rock, pop and blues.
Energetic opener Nikata sets the tone of the album as the duo pluck the shamisen's strings vigorously, accompanied by keyboards, bass and taikoo drum.
The duo also prove the versatility of the centuries-old instrument. Indigo is a jazz piece that successfully merges the shamisen with the traditional jazz sounds of the saxophone and bass.
Kagero makes you think of flamenco dancers dressed in kimonos.