KEXP ~ PACIFIC NOTIONS - part 3

Some Days Are Better Than Others

Camille and the Ocean

Pre-order: https://www.kitchen-label.com/store/no-24-kotonoha-ironomi/

“kotonoha” is ironomi’s 8th album and first ever release on vinyl. A tonal portrait of microscopic nuances particular of a Japanese midsummer saunter through deep emerald green forests and tranquil fields, transcribed into a meditative pastoral reverie created with crystalline piano playing, lute acoustics and real-time processing.

The title “kotonoha” (琹の葉) comes from a poetic anachronistic metaphor, combining form of leaves (葉 ha) and plucked string instruments (琹 koto) depicted in classical antiquity. With a distinctive sound that matches the sonic architecture of Japanese aesthetics, ironomi adds “koto no ha” into their extensive catalog already defined by its uniquely committed minimalism and serenity.

“kotonoha” was originally built on a sequence of four continuous scenes that makes up one long-form composition. The titles of these improvisational pieces (shioribi, namisora, ayumikaze, hagoromo) invoke a literal kind of sensuous, fleeting phenomena. The beauty and charm of these tracks lie in their impressionist fusion with Japanese nature and sensibilities. ironomi’s pieces rarely build and despite their sparse acoustic density, they have a presence that cuts sweetly into the listener’s reality. ironomi created their very own brand of “environmental music”, the literal translation of the Japanese term kankyo ongaku (環境音楽) - music designed to harmonise with, rather than dominate, its natural surroundings. In the specific spatial context of “kotonha”, the record heals the aural sense away from our jangling cities and restless daily environments.

The album includes two additional compositions “tsukishirube” and “maigo”, the latter being regularly featured as the concluding passage that brings ironomi’s live performances to an end. The expanded cadence remained a firm fan-favourite since 2010 and now documented in recording for the first time.

ironomi releases “kotonoha” on 30 August 2019 via KITCHEN. LABEL worldwide. Available on limited edition translucent green vinyl LP (Estimated shipping: 29 Sep 2019), CD and digital formats, with artwork by Tokyo-based photographer Yoichi Onoda. This record is mastered by Gen Tanabe at Studio Camel House in Yamanashi, Japan.

Tracklist
1. 栞日 shioribi
2. 波空 namisora
3. 歩風 ayumikaze
4. 葉衣 hagoromo
5. 月導 tsukishirube
6. 舞子 maigo

Released by KITCHEN. LABEL
Ⓟ & © 2019 KITCHEN. LABEL

琹の葉 kotonoha

ironomi - 舞子 maigo (琹の葉 kotonoha, 2019) - preview

Whatever Awaits

Sunday

|| OUT NOW || 

Buy/Stream >> lnk.to.HOTC146 <<

Following a remix on Hottrax, James Burnham aka Burnski is back under his James Solace alias to release Mind Music, a formidable first full release featuring four equally as impressive tracks released this February on Hot Creations.

Keep On sets the tone of this sumptuous release, rumbling sub-bass holds the track together, like a huge wave it slowly gains intensity, given room to breathe until it unfurls into a powerful weapon. A heavy dose of playful funk is applied on Catalyst, with guitar, squelching synth and a dash of warm soul. Mind Music is a deep and hypnotic piece, an addictive vocal loop over laser sharp synth and becomes firmly embedded in the psyche. Finally, Groove does what it says on the tin and sees James expertly craft another solid beat where growling bass combines with licks of pulsating acid that will undoubtedly send the dance floor into raptures.

UK hero James Solace also known as Burnski has made his name through a penchant for moving through many styles of music with ease, always being one step ahead of the trend and mixing the new with the old. Whether it be his trade-mark tech-house grooves released under Burnski or through his Instinct alias and label where he channels drum and bass, garage and 2-step, his productions are always of the highest quality. He boasts regular gigs at esteemed venues including DC10, Fabric, Rex Club and Watergate. As well as this forthcoming EP under this alias on Hot Creations, he also has big records to come on Knee Deep in Sound, Four Thirty Two and Last Night On Earth. Also with a new live set that aired for the first time at Mint Warehouse recently for the Four Thirty Two party, expect the new James Solace project to take his career to the next level.

TRACK LISTING
A1. Keep On
A2. Catalyst
B1. Mind Music
B2. Groove

Mind Music

Keep On

Buy/Stream

James Solace - Keep On

Camille and the Ocean

Matthew Robert Cooper