FLAU news: aus, Danny Norbury, Ryosuke Nagaoka, CRYSTAL
aus collaborate with Ryosuke Nagaoka & Danny Norbury. CRYSTAL' new single
new release
Ryosuke Nagaoka & aus - LAYLAND
Guitarist and singer Ryosuke Nagaoka seems at home in the sounds produced by FLAU’s very own aus. The pair may have known each other for a decade or so, but it’s their first collaboration together. More like a mixtape than an album,
Layland exists in a floating world of solid yet dreamy beatscapes conjured by aus, brought to life with vocals and guitar by Nagaoka — the same duties as with his enigmatic band (and ever-popular) band, Petrolz.
Whether it’s the frenetic noodling on deep house opener ‘Made-up Mind’ or the virtuoso, screaming solo in ‘Murmurs’, with its fluttering R&B feel, Nagaoka’s signature guitar weaves throughout aus’ distinctive production. It becomes a looping storm of chamber music meets bluegrass in ‘Candles’, and adds fusion-inflected colour to the wonky lounge boom bap in ‘Reverie 1:’.
Experimental and playful, Layland leans effortlessly into different genres. The nod to 80’s electro-pop in the analog synthesizer-inspired ‘Mirrored’, complete with warped, detuned synths and staccato guitar, is unmistakable, while the breakbeat-style ‘Hyatt Earp’ displays aus’ knack for richly textured percussion.
Along with these explorations in form, freedom plays a big part in Layland, with improvisation informing much of the mixtape. It results in a precious handful of tracks that bounce with boundless energy.
Furthermore, this single includes a remix by FLAU's head aus, which intricately dissects Kumi's strings. Using piano, samples and synthesizers, aus takes us on a journey that goes beyond the confines of the dream, weaving together various life moments into the track. The resulting remix delves deep into the artist's inner world, creating a powerful musical exploration.
..the lush panoramic sunshine and quiet dusk moments of "Candles" goes from orchestral magic to the most of intimate ambiance - American Pancake
new release
aus & Danny Norbury - Better Late Than Never
“Over a decade ago, the initial encounter between Danny and I took place during The Boats' Japan tour ( and also before that, we released the album title of the same name, the Faulkner-inspired Light in August, almost simultaneously with each other). Subsequently, collaborations unfolded across various cities, marked by performances characterized by a spontaneous, improvisational spirit. The dynamic interplay between my piano and electronics, with its capricious undertones, and Danny's cello, which contributed melodic beauty with a firm foundation, consistently provided an adventurous musical experience. No matter how many times I sent to signal with my eyes, Danny would not start playing, so by the end of the performance my eyes were always twice as big and bulging.
In the dimly lit spaces where our music echoed, it wasn't just the piano and cello creating harmonies. There were the ambient noises of the surroundings, the very air pregnant with shared experiences — memories of precious friends, organizers, and the audience. While moments a decade ago might have seemed too awkward to document. We always lose what we hold dear so easily, but I take great pleasure in being able to leave some time for a few things like this.” - aus
Limited Edition Book Bound CD via Fluid Audio/Facture.
It certainly fits the theme of offering a compelling artistic experience in compact form bringing together...it is for the best that these lovely sounds made it out into the world however long it too - Stationary Travels
The album, released in winter, serenades the spring. - A Closer Listen
Nothing more than a simple piano line with a fragile melody, accompanied by Norbury's subtle cello playing and a lot of atmosphere - that's all it takes for a potential classic. A stroke of luck that remains - Groove
new release
CRYSTAL - Autumn Story
Tokyo based synth duo CRYSTAL, garnering attention from their previous album Reflection Overdrive and appearances at Brainfeeder' The Hit, is set to drop their evolved track, "Autumn Story." Following their exploration of retro-future pop and techno Kayou in the last album, the duo is fueled by the sense that their journey is far from over, expressing a resolute commitment to further exploration in the upcoming release.
Building on their previous success, the lyrics in "Autumn Story" maintain the nostalgic charm of 80s Japanese Kayo pop and city pop. Embracing a hands-on approach, the duo, navigating unfamiliar vocals, intricate chords, and challenging instrumentation, fearfully reveals the illusion of achieving it all with just a single computer.
With its striking crimson jacket, "Autumn Story" signifies the inception of a new musical chapter crafted by CRYSTAL.
new release
Kumi Takahara - The Old Dreams
Tokyo based violinist, multi instrumentalist Kumi Takahara, is back with a new single and aus remix, marking her return since her debut album See-Through. Delving into the realm of distant memories and dreamlike visions, this release signifies her reconnection with the contemporary music backdrop that defines her artistry. Weaving together strings and poetic readings, it crafts an enchanting musical tapestry.
new radio
FLAU @HKCR : Lo Recordings holiday mix by aus
revisit
Rayons - Sagrada Reset
Sagrada Reset by Rayons turns 5 years. The original TV animation SAGRADA RESET written by Yutaka Kouno has a teenage ensemble cast and takes place in Sagrada town, where people with various supernatural powers live. Rayons’ music greatly accentuates the perspective of this animated world.
Rayons reveals a complex story – a mixture of reality and fantasy playing out in a town that blends with traditional and modern by delicate and expressive piano stylings and spectacular arrangements. – This soundtrack album contains 26 pieces, selected by herself, from lots of new works used in the animated TV show.
An ensemble of 11 musicians spectacularly enhances the songs, which were composed and arranged by Rayons. This novel musical addition reaches a new level of expressivity, surpassing what previous works had achieved.
emotionally resonant numbers – Make Believe Melodies
Rayons has done a perfect job capturing the personality of one of Japan’s best-loved series, rising to the challenge and becoming part of the story. One might even guess that she lives in Sagrada, as her abilities are evident here – A Closer Listen
Delicate watermarks embroidered on the piano – Rockerilla