neco眠る, the Osaka-based band known for their genre-blending sound, is unveiling a fresh take on a beloved anime classic. On June 16, they're dropping the single "バケツのおひさんつかまえた / 春雨サラダ" (Bucket Caught the Sun / Spring Rain Salad), with the A-side reimagining the opening theme from the 1980s anime "Jarring Chieh."

The original track, famously performed by Nakayama Chie and Ohno Susumu, gets new life through neco眠る's arrangement, helmed by bandmember BIOMAN. For this version, they've brought in guest vocalists 鎮座DOPENESS and KOPY to add fresh energy to the classic tune.

This release marks a significant moment for the six-piece group, which formed in 2002. As of this month, they've joined creative production company Lemon House Inc., and this single is their debut under the new label. According to guitarist Mori Masahiro, the band is in its best shape yet despite the logistical challenges of keeping a 24-year-old group together when members are scattered across different cities and life situations.

Label head Tashiro Takayuki reflected on his long connection with the band, recalling chance encounters in Osaka dating back to the mid-2000s. He described being charmed by their approach and spirit, noting that his most vivid memory involves meeting Mori outside a shop, the guitarist's hands covered in flour while waving enthusiastically.

The single pairs the cover with an original track, "春雨サラダ," also produced and arranged by BIOMAN.

To celebrate, neco眠る is hosting a one-man live show "床 -Hard Floor-" on July 23 at Tokyo's SPREAD venue. The event will feature labelmate and singer-songwriter Mishio Mai on DJ duties. Tickets are available through Peatix, making it a chance to catch the band in their current creative moment.