Katsurada, Tomo
Dream Of The Egg (2x7"+flexi/book)
'Dream Of The Egg' is the debut solo album by Tomo Katsurada, known for his work with the Japanese psychedelic band Kikagaku Moyo. This project is a unique fusion of music and visual art, inspired by the Japanese 1920s children's book 'Yume No Tamago (Dream Of The Egg).' It reveals a deeply personal journey, reflecting Tomo's dreams and the numerous rebirths experienced in 2024, a year marked by profound new beginnings in every facet of his life. This mini album was driven by a passion for raw and immediate expression. Every song was crafted and recorded with only the materials available to him at the time, embracing an organic and handmade atmosphere. By eschewing rhythm clicks and standard instrumental tunings, a spontaneous sound emerged, capturing the essence of both uncertainty and immediacy. Adding to this distinctive sonic landscape, guest musician Jonny Nash (UK) contributed ethereal guitar sounds on the first and final tracks, enriching the record's dream-like quality. The journey begins with the opening track, 'Moshimo,' which means 'If...' in Japanese. Here, Jonny's guitar weaves seamlessly with the vocal melody, creating a harmonious dialogue. The first half of the album concludes with 'Zen Bungalow' a cover of Gabriel Yared's 'Bungalow Zen' from the soundtrack of the film 'Betty Blue 37°2 Le Matin.' This particular track is his partner's favourite song to listen to every morning and left a profound impression on him. One day, he heard a song in his dream that combined both of these tracks and loved how they blended together. This experience inspired him to create a new arrangement, 'Zen Bungalow,' which has become a central piece of the 'Dream Of The Egg' album. The third track serves as an interlude, printed on a flexi disk attached to the middle of a picture book. This interlude transitions the listener into 'Inner Garden,' a bittersweet folk song that explores themes of love. The EP's narrative spans 20 minutes, culminating in the final title track 'Dream Of The Egg.' This piece features a delicate session between Tomo and Jonny, combining cello and guitar to create a spectrum of tones that evoke the imagery of a rainbow. The focus on smooth dynamics and meticulous play reflects an intent to convey a sense of physical trembling. This track sounds like the beginning of a new dream; as if the egg of one's dream is about to hatch, bringing a sense of anticipation and wonder to the listener. Throughout the album, a variety of instruments come into play, drifting between notes and embracing the beauty of imperfection. By incorporating free-form sounds in a highly technological age, the record aims to reconnect listeners with the tangible, human-made quality of sound. Complementing the music is a beautifully-designed picture book illustrated by the acclaimed Japanese artist Shoko Otake. Printed by Amsterdam's esteemed bookstore Terry Bleu, this 28-page book features captivating visual artwork and storytelling that enhances the musical experience. Only few copies available here, so don't sleep!