Inspired by travel to Japan – neon lights and heavy rain – DaiSY Gee presents an eclectic album ranging from heartfelt piano ballads to fully immersive, cinematic electronic pop arrangements, throughout the stories and sounds of Midnight Tokyo.
From the opening ambiance of piano and strings, the intimate scenes and waves of melody from Last Train to Koenji offer a kind of melancholic, seductive performance, with a slowly rising sense of passion from these poetic and programmed balancing of traits.
The hook is powerful, evocative and well contrasted with the delicate verses, and the soundscape confidently gathers up a dreamy groove that naturally takes you somewhere new.
After this, Neon Prayer keeps that voice and metaphorical thread strong, but offers a lighter vocal style and something like electro or dream pop in its rhythm and brightness of optimism. Always there’s a level of romantic escapism to the writing, but as we switch into the bass-led floor-filler vibe of After 4am, something a little more energising kicks into place, and the album comes alive with synth-soaked vibrancy, falsetto vocals, and four-to-the-floor patterns.
Blue Light Ritual is definitely a highlight, strings and cinematic design backing a boldly memorable tune and concept that’s reflective and engaging. The neon signs and substance continue to connect these themes of insomnia and longing, with lyrics like ‘Maybe sleep is just another country some of us can’t afford to visit’ reaching straight for the soul.
Then to pick up the energy again, Blue Room 409 is a massive bass-heavy electronic dance track with a passionate, almost piercing crescendo, while The Last Crossing makes sure to juxtapose that boost of awakening production fullness, with another intimate display of introspection that softens the mood once more.
These back and forth dynamics represent two sides of the same soul, the journey of DaiSY Gee in seeking a fresh start in Japan – some nights wandering train stations and side streets as a dreamer, other nights immersing herself in the hidden clubs and basements of the city as a dancer, and the stylistic variety of Midnight Tokyo captures that duality perfectly well.
I’ve purchased this album and have to say it’s really great. Having a whole album telling a story draws you in and the vivid storytelling helps you picture life in Tokyo whilst enjoying the fantastic music. .
I’d recommend to buy it, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re not convinced click the link to listen to clips from the songs. . Daisygee.hearnow.com