Description
#kumachanseal #vinyl #vinylrecords
Kumachan Seal, the brainchild of Sairi Ojima, a talented Japanese vocalist, keyboardist, and songwriter, marks a new chapter in her musical career. With a rich background in indie bands, including Neco Nemuru, Ojima embarked on her solo journey in 2013, laying the foundation for her unique musical style. After making waves with her first cassette release in 2017, Ojima now presents her debut CD/LP album through EM Records, showcasing her exquisite compositions while co-producing the record.
Drawing inspiration from a wide array of influences, Kumachan Seal’s album is a sonic feast for the senses. Ojima’s distinct DIY sonic core is embellished with vibrant beats and guitar work from Le Makeup, an esteemed artist from EM Records, alongside the quintessential ambient-pop synths and keyboards contributed by fellow EM artist Takao. As listeners immerse themselves in the eleven enchanting tracks, they will be mesmerized by the intricate layers of surprising sounds meticulously crafted by Ojima. Notably, Le Makeup expertly mixed ten of the eleven songs, while Takao took the reins for the mixing of “China Sandwich.”
At the heart of Ojima’s musical identity lies her crystalline, liquid-like voice. With the exception of one instrumental track, Ojima’s mellifluous vocals grace each composition on the album. However, what sets Kumachan Seal apart is the ingenious utilization of Ojima’s voice as both melodic and textural elements. Half of the songs feature lyrics, while the other half showcase the wordless beauty of Ojima’s voice. While Kumachan Seal’s music can be loosely categorized as bedroom pop interwoven with ambient and new-age influences, the album takes an unexpected turn in its final two tracks. “Atsumono” brings a slightly skewed four-on-the-floor rhythm, while “Tiny Cell” infuses a light ska-inflected Doo-wop flavor, reminiscent of the UK’s Brenda Ray.
In conclusion, Kumachan Seal represents a significant milestone in Sairi Ojima’s musical journey. With her debut CD/LP album, Ojima showcases her captivating compositions in collaboration with Le Makeup and Takao, both esteemed artists in their own right. By skillfully blending various genres and textures, Ojima creates an immersive sonic experience that captivates the listener from start to finish. Whether you are a fan of ambient music, indie pop, or the new-wave revival, Kumachan Seal’s album is a must-listen, a testament to Ojima’s undeniable talent and artistic vision.
