Hi there! Welcome to the first post in what I hope will be a series about neat music. This series will mostly focus on music and things related to my specific tastes as a learning DJ-slash-whatever who grew up listening to way too much electronic and Japanese music.
Quick note, not all of these are recent releases and I don’t think all releases in these posts will be. These posts are meant to be focused on what I’ve discovered recently and think is worth paying attention to now, and in the future. And obviously, it means I like it! I’ll try to include (DRM-free, if possible) US purchase links for everything I can, and streaming links for everything else.
With that out of the way, let’s get into it!
PAS TASTA - TURTLE THIEF (2022)
I think I discovered this release from a random retweet somewhere, but I’m glad I did. PAS TASTA looks like a project between a few artists (some of whom seem to collab frequently, see the next track) - I only recognize yuigot (who you should also check out).
This track combines a ton of what I love - a melodic lead-up to an energetic drop, some great samples, and then it has the guts to change in the second half with some amazing guitar, completely taking it over the top. It’s incredibly complex without feeling dissonant for too long, and just a joy to listen to whenever it pops up for me.
All Nighter 5 & 6 (2020, 2021)
All Nighter is a collaborative project where artists create tracks entirely within 24 hours, which are then curated by a community called FORM and released on Bandcamp with all proceeds going to charities. These albums are a ton of fun to listen to, as long as you open your experimental music across all genres.
phritz, hirihiri, Amane Uyama & Kabanagu - all night // All Nighter 6 (2021)
I discovered this track after TURTLE THIEF by checking out what the artists had collaborated on before. It’s got a similar structure and vibe, with similar effects on the vocals (are those the same singers?) and that same hard-hitting bassline that drew me in before.
1:16 and 2:14 make me want to put this right into a set somewhere. LOVE THAT.
1f1n1ty, Hallow, Miyolophone & Stardew - Skitter Smack // All Nighter 5 (2020)
While listening to All Nighter 5, this song stood out to me right away when the piano hit. If you’re keeping track, that’s another thing I’m a sucker for - a catchy piano riff. This track gives off a ton of energy early on and it feels like it leads up to 04:03 with a crunchy bass contrasted with bright synths (love it). I’m wondering now if these artists worked on parts of the song and linked them together or something else. Either way, both of these tracks are incredible even without considering their production time.
Former Hero - footpaths (2021)
I had been following Former Hero for a bit while they released singles, enjoying their very airy, atmospheric style.
Eventually, they released their debut album “footpaths” on bitbird, San Holo’s label, an emotional affair with vocals and lyrics that caught me off guard in a good way. I found myself listening closely and following the ups and downs, where we go from echoing, light guitar with vocals to a passionate, climactic beat-heavy segment. It didn’t impress me all the way through, but I thought it was notable.
Since this is an album, I’ll say my standout tracks were Swims Best and Helvellyn.
Aiobahn - greyscale, wish, & resonance singles (from upcoming EP) (2021)
I had wanted to wait until Aiobahn released these as an EP, but I’m such a sucker for new tracks that I had to go for them right away. These are all collaborations, and it’s clear that Aiobahn knows how to integrate incredible vocal performances.
KOCHO makes resonance feel very familiar due to their past collab on Fragments, and I love the classic backing drum beat with vocals like this. Feels like I’m watching a 90s-00s anime opening when the synths kick in. Wish is really interesting with the experimental-sounding synth at :50 getting layered onto somunia’s voice. Similarly, Greyscale (hey, here’s phritz again!) has a bit at 1:53 where what sounds like vocal chops are combined with trumpets (you know, maybe getting into music production would actually give me a better vocabulary here) to produce a standout melody.
Looking forward to that new EP!
Sweet Trip - Velocity : Design : Comfort (2003)
I had heard about this album for a few months but had never actually listened to it. It was described to me as being very ahead of its time and I’d have to agree. The overall feel of the art and song titles gives me DV-i vibes, which I’m into.
It’s insane to think this came out in 2003. I’ve used the word “experimental” a few times already but this one deserves the meaning entirely. On each listen, I wonder if the album is still playing or if I’ve somehow shuffled into something else. It’s hard to describe - slow and deliberate at times, and glitch-heavy and eccentric at others. Approach with an open mind and a desire to check out something new, and you might find a few tracks that stick.
My favorites: sept and pro : lov : ad.
serph - Psychic Music (2021)
I can’t put into words how thankful I am for Porter Robinson introducing more people, myself included, to Serph. RANDOM GIRLS might actually be one of my favorite albums ever because of how may of my sweet spots it hits. I keep tabs on all new releases now, and while Psychic Music won’t take the crown, it’s certainly up there.
Vocal chops with a piano-like melody are my bread and butter, and oh boy does this album deliver. It cuts, samples, scratches, builds, and I can’t get enough. If I had some kind of “best of” badge on the site I’d use it here.
My favorite track among favorites is probably Myuzak.
Perfume - Polygon Wave EP (2021)
I think YouTube’s Algorithm™ alerted me to the presence of a new Perfume EP months after its release. Somehow, I’d missed like, two releases, and I could check em out again.
Polygon Wave has Nakata’s classic production over some great new vocals. However, the reason I’m including this is actually not the title track, but Mugen Loop. I love this track - the key evokes a very special musical vibe for me, and I love the lyrics. Halfway through the song, when the pitch of the chorus changes – 👌👌👌👌👌
Kenneth Takanami (formerly Exitpost) - Two Dreamers (2019)
I began following Kenneth Takanami around 2017, taking a real liking to the chill vibes on Sweet Fade in particular. I then fell off listening until very recently, to find out I had neglected Two Dreamers and didn’t remember if I had even listened to all of it. I put it on and was blown away, well, the type of blown away that furiously makes me search for a physical release, if that says anything.
Favorites: Every Day is About You and Anata. The Unmo tracks are amazing too.
Utada Hikaru - One Last Kiss (2021)
I can’t. I’m at the point in my life where Utada Hikaru singles just emotionally destroy me. Go watch Eva 3.0+1.0 before you listen to this. The vinyl even transitions seamlessly into Beautiful World and I lose it.
Hope you enjoyed these recs, and you found at least one new track you liked!