Kafuka, the solo electronic music project of Japanese recording artist Eshima Kazuomi, has just released Laws of Nature, on 26 May via Project Mooncircle. Mastered by acclaimed engineer Sven Friederichs, the LP is on limited vinyl (including download code) and limited edition CD via Perfect Touch in Japan.
As described by Kaltblat Magazine, “Reprocessing samples and recording guitars and other natural sounds, he creates a collage of dreamy textures, slowly evolving melodies, and stuttered rhythms that call back to the roots of IDM while simultaneously tackling new emotional ground,” the basis of the album is strongly influenced by nature, and the amalgam of textures contained within it are the result of adding algorithmically generated elements using audio software.
Strongly influenced by the likes of AUTECHRE, Chris Clark, Sakamoto Ryūichi, Oasis, Radiohead and Death Cab For Cutie, Kafuka effectively conveys his affinity for these artists while maintaining a sound that still reflects the essence of his music – Nature. By day Eshima composes for film and television in Japan, and his professional technical proficiency in the studio is strongly reflected in his solo works, as Kafuka annexes musical elements from a plethora of electronic genres. This, as well as the strong natural theme, is responsible for the emotionally expressive sounds which are apparent throughout the album.
Describing ‘Laws of Nature’ Kafuka says, “To forget the pursuit of harmony. To recall the past to make a future. Forever seeing yourself reflected, feeding back in eternal repeating cycles. A dialog with oneself within the natural world. Choosing a final destination as the journey ceaselessly repeats. I hope to share what I’ve experienced in this big journey. I hope you will feel both a sense of nostalgia, and a sense of newness. That makes our harmony”.
Listen to the EP teaser below and order here:
Tracklist:
01 Mustang
02 Fine Rain
03 Psychedelia
04 Saunter
05 Variance
06 Resolve
07 Forget Me Not