Under the name
Radicalfashion, Japanese pianist/programmer Hirohito Ihara crafted a special
album that was simultaneously both unassuming and wildly inventive. Combining glitch, neo-classical elements,
simplistic piano, and musique concrete, Odori
is a quick 30 minutes that floats from one idea to another, effortlessly
shifting from carefree to contemplative to profound.
After the
liquid- sampling “Opener”, Odori
quickly shifts to “Suna”, the first introduction of piano. “Suna” combines
galloping piano with leftover looping from the opener to create a childlike
atmosphere that quickly gives way to a somber ballroom dance. Electronics and piano move in and out of
focus, with one element dominating then the other responding appropriately,
until the entire piece opens up and a hazy soundscape backs a solo violin that
beautifully closes out the track.
“Thousand” flutters effervescently as a plucky piano and flute sample
chug forward. As the album progresses,
“Shousetsu” proves to be the spiritual centerpiece of the release. It begins with a looping click that Ihara
reframes with a maudlin piano line. As
the click eventually fades away, Ihara is given space to expand his playing,
leading to the most gorgeous, grandiose moment on the album. On such an
intimate album, breaking through this restrained sound and creating such a
majestic moment is a prime example of an expert composer capable of creating
memorable moments rather than overloading the listener from the start.
Odori hinges on the dance between electronics and piano, where
one bounces off the other constantly to drive individual tracks towards their
end. With this interplay, Ihara creates a level of intimacy that thrives off of
simplicity and end-focus. Ihara is certainly
skilled as a pianist, yet he’s willing to restrain himself from more
embellished playing in order to create a specific atmosphere that couldn’t be
accomplished by tearing apart the keys. While
this might distance listeners looking for a master pianist giving his fingers a
workout, this restraint is the most important aspect to making this release
succeed. The end result is an absolutely
lovely album that creates and maintains a singular atmosphere worth immersing
yourself in.
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