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![毛玉 [Kedama] - まちのあかり[Machi no Akari]](https://cdn2.albumoftheyear.org/100x0/album/1023440-machi-no-akari_194548.jpg)
One of the most underrated gems of modern indie music. This album masterfully combines laid-back indie rock with the jazzier influence of shibuya-kei to create a sound that feels lush but stripped back at the same time. Although it might seem a bit by-the-numbers at first, the attention to detail on this thing is astounding, especially considering they're barely scratching 500 listeners on spotify. This album is just such a comfortable experience and I wish more people would check it out.
Recent Reviews
Much like her next album, this one is fantastically atmospheric and poetic despite the terribly cheesy production it has. And while this album is a bit worse in some ways, mainly with those gated reverb drums and focus on synths, the consistency of this album keeps it on the same footing as her next one. Her sense of melody is especially on point with The Lady of Shalott and Between the Shadows.
Best : The Lady of Shalott
Worst : Greensleeves
Fuuuuuck, I love folky ambient music so so so much and this album exemplifies that style incredibly well. Harris combines both worlds here to create an experience as easy to get lost in as it is to find structure in. For example, Heavy Water has a melody so heartshattering that it feels like so much longer than 3 minutes and same with the ambience of Tidal Wave. I only wish there was some more textural variety.
Best : Heavy Water / I'd Rather Be Sleeping
Worst : When We Fall
Well, this sure is an album; this is an album that contains one of the most tranquil and intricate jazz songs of all time, Like It Is, yet also fills its tracklist with so many of the most generic 12-bar blues tracks and whatever the fuck Moon Cup is. It's such a mixed bag it's almost funny. Especially for a musician as clearly talented as this guy.
Best : Like It Is
Worst : Moon Cup
Even though I see how people could really love this album, since it captures a similar vibe to Julee Cruise and early Grimes at points, it's also so so cheesy. This the shit they play at the whitest church services ever or in emotionally manipulative ads. It's especially egregious with the hymns on this album. However, there are some pretty great songs here and the dreamy atmosphere is pretty at least.
Best : Afer Ventus
Worst : No Holly For Miss Quinn
Although I do enjoy Davis' other fusion stuff around this era a bit more, this album is still pretty fantastic and fully immerses the listener into this groovy yet amelodic style. I'm so glad I gave this album another shot after it rolled off me a few years ago. This is definitely an album that requires some experience in jazz in order to fully appreciate. But when it does oh wow is it good.
Best : Bitches Brew
Worst : Sancuary
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A vast majority of my ratings are on my RYM account, but I like using this one to write short write-ups on albums I've listened to.
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Member since March 13, 2024