When world-renowned Icelandic multi-instrumentalist and producer Ólafur Arnalds selects you to be a part of his music workshop, you are undoubtedly a rather special musical talent. Such is the case with Japanese electronic music artist Akitsugu Fukushima. Now based in Macao, the musician and composer’s latest release is an anime-inspired narrative that effortlessly blends pop, electronic, and classical elements. Through four mesmerizingly cinematic and intricate tunes, Akitsugu’s ‘Boy 1 EP’ showcases just what an unbelievably talented artist he truly is.
‘Hero’, the EP’s lead single, gets the ball rolling. A chilled-out and atmospheric piece of magic, it sets the tone perfectly for what’s to come. ‘Asobi’, meaning play, then steps up to the plate in a similar fashion. A minimalistic electronic beat that beckons bodies to sway, it’s a deeply enchanting and alluring track.
‘Kioku’, meaning memory, serves as the EP’s third song, and the downtempo electronic textures intertwined with graceful notes of guitar beautifully display Fukushima’s versatility and innovative approach to his art. ‘Suimen’, meaning water surface, completes the record, and Akitsugu uses cutting-edge AI to include dreamlike female vocals. It’s the perfect way to round off this surreal EP, and I’m beginning to run out of superlatives to describe just how good these four tunes are. An utterly exceptional offering from Akitsugu Fukushima!
Serious EP alert! Enjoy ‘Boy 1 EP’ on Spotify now:
