It’s easy to become immersed in the mesmerizing soundscapes of yhyk, a collaboration between producer Yutaka Hirasaka and bassist Yusuke Kurahara. Released under the beatsupply label, this album transports listeners to the serene mountain lodges of Kumamoto, a city in Kyushu, Japan, where the duo crafted the compelling sounds within. The cassette release, adorned with Yuichi Date’s captivating artwork, adds a tactile charm to the auditory experience. The layers and emotional depths within yhyk create a sonic journey perfect for contemplation.
A steadily unraveling groove takes hold on the opening track “Realize.” Glistening keys and a murmuring bass complement a consistent percussive pulse; tender guitars frolic thereafter, culminating in an emotive soulfulness with warbly, nocturnal intrigue. The album quickly establishes itself as one steeped in intoxicating atmosphere and stellar musicianship. The subsequent “Hike” follows with a contemplative serenity, weaving in brassy sophistication for further late-night allure. An introspective sound fit for rainy days stirs on “Hike.”
“Ubuyama Time” exudes a perkier bounciness, invigorating with its bouncy keys and nodding rhythmic beat. While much of yhyk is adorned with a more relaxed charm, efforts like “Ubuyama Time” and “Yamame 3” move with brisker precision. The latter struts a lounge-y, jazzy appeal in the grooving bass and twangy touches, evolving into the lusher elegance of “Wakka.” yhyk doesn’t startle with abrupt shifts in tone or dynamics, though it maintains a strong level of engrossment, ranging from the caressingly subdued to more invigorating charisma.
Another standout comes in “Friendship.” A vocal-laden percussive element lingers with resonating impact alongside soothing guitars. Beautiful layers of guitar intermingle with stellar cohesion at the mid-point, traversing smoothly back into the quaint beat-boxing complements. Elsewhere, “In the Cedar Forest” moves with hypnotic flair, melding loose-flowing guitars with snappy snares for a blissful sound — a likely reference to the album’s recording location in the Kumamoto mountain lodge. “Morning at Maruka” comes next, fully enveloping with its steadily evolving guitar trickling and calming percussive element.
yhyk is a successful production steeped in atmospheric beauty and calming introspection; it’s an ideal accompaniment to creative sessions or deep thoughts late at night. Yutaka Hirasaka and Yusuke Kurahara have created deeply memorable vibes and soundscapes throughout this resonating release. We’re looking forward to repeatedly getting lost within its soundscapes and soothing allure.
