Loam

"Loam" marks the debut solo album from Kohei Oyamada, a musician also recognized for his work in collaborative projects such as H TO O (Wisdom Teeth) with H.Takahashi and Atoris (Moon Glyph, among others). A key aspect of this album is how it seamlessly blends the essence of techno —— one of Oyamada’s musical roots —— with sounds reminiscent of 80s and 2010-20s ambient music, while steering clear of the 90s chill-out genre. The result is a rhythmically driven ambient album that evokes a quiet yet powerful sense of exhilaration. This atmosphere is largely shaped by the sequential techno phrases and percussive loops with an ethno-inspired quality, reminiscent of 80s ambient music. The synthesizer tones utilized throughout the album are carefully selected to complement these elements. For instance, when the phrases lean toward a techno influence, they carry an 80s vibe, whereas more ethno-leaning sounds evoke a 90s feel. Although these impressions are subjective, the album consistently reflects a balance that can only come from a musician with a deep understanding of both strong musical roots and the contemporary scene. Most of the tracks are named after themes related to earth and soil, with the album title "Loam" symbolizing fertile ground. The physical release of the album is accompanied by a set of incense oils, chosen to evoke the warmth and richness of the earth. This concept of fertile loam and the corresponding music seems to symbolize the rich and fruitful experiences that Oyamada has cultivated throughout his musical career. (TOMC)