Sounds like…

A flowing stream of piano keys gently flowing through a sunset village.

The review

Circumstances have tempted Akira Kosemura to the dark side of composition writing. Kosemura usually chooses to release semi structured or completely improvisational piano music but during 2020 this wasn’t an option for him. The composer had to suspend his current music plans due to the pandemic and instead found himself alone in his home studio.

The result is ’88 Keys’. There are 14 beautiful pieces recorded intimately with the piano hammers nuzzling the listener’s ear under the warm ivory glow. The pieces are connected by a reflective feel and one of quiet but assured beauty. Akira Kosemura has a knack for writing rolling melodies that tumble down the notes and octaves like a trickling stream. Delicate cascades ever flowing. For me, this is the reason why ’88 Keys’ is a resounding success and easily my favourite Akira Kosemura work to date. I often find improvisations are technically impressive but sometimes I yearn for a stable hook. This album brings that hook.

Tracks like ‘Wavering Heart’, ‘Spiral’ and ‘Asymptote’ all unravel like a pitter-patter of tiny feet. Both beautiful and distinctively Japanese in its respectful tinge of sadness, the music flows effortlessly over its 35-minute length. There is no trickery here, it is just Akira and his piano and you are in the room as he plays. It is like a very polished demo scene recording and that slightly unpolished room noise gives the recording a human character.

If you need something to soothe the day away or just something to aide quiet reflection or moments of rest, ’88 Keys’ is a great record to reside in. Understated. Impactful. A childlike cartwheel across the upper octaves. Let’s hope we can keep Akira on this side of the composition fence for a little longer.

Recommended track: Asymptote

Support Higher Plain Music

Higher Plain Music is part of the Higher Plain Network – a one-man indie media project. If you like what I do, please consider supporting me via Patreon for as little as $1/£1 a month. In return, you received additional perks for supporting me there such as behind the scenes content and free downloads. You can also donate using PayPal. Sharing the website helps too or using the affiliate buy now links on reviews. I receive a few pence per Amazon sale. All your support will enable me to produce better content, more often. I produce a lot of my content on WordPress, so if you are a new customer, click here for $25 credit for a direct referral. Thank you.

The post Akira Kosemura – 88 Keys Review appeared first on Higher Plain Music.