Directed by Shinya Satotaken from the forthcoming album 'Reflection Overdrive' Download/Stream the single http://smarturl.it/CRYSTAL-ReflectionDirected by Sh...

Driven by a love for late 80s neon pop, the duo return to release the first few tracks from upcoming album ‘Reflection Overdrive’

Japanese group CRYSTAL has kept focus on the development of their own unique sound from the start, and their original attitude and style has begun to draw widespread attention. They’ve being receiving praise from both reviewers and artists, including Flying Lotus and Gaspard Auge of JUSTICE.

The artists behind this project Ryota Miyake and Sunao Maruyama, producers who share an interest in retro aesthetics, 80’s pop and experimental ventures in electronica. We previously covered their Ecco Funk EP back in 2020, a release which delighted in nostalgic pop funk vibes, without becoming confined to the pre-established genres of city pop of vapourwave. Tracks from Ecco Funk seemed determined to reconnect with that period when technology was rapidly developing, and artists were excited to see how they could incorporate that into their sound.

We may have jumped ahead to 2021, but CRYSTAL are still drawing on that early retro aesthetic. The duo has been dropping a few tracks taken from their upcoming collection ‘Reflection Overdrive’, which is set for a full release on May 7th via the ever indie Japanese label Flau. The pre-release singles so far are vibrant with racing synth and neon basslines; original work from a different time.

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The first thing that comes to mind about Kumi Takahara’s new track ‘Tide’ is how it seems to have perfectly captured the essence of it’s namesake.

The opening ambient sounds give way to swirling, constantly moving interwoven string melodies that seem to drift from plaintive, to wondrous and uplifting, back and forth.

Delicate vocals and instrumentation build into an evolving and deep piece that does indeed remind of moving waters, and showcases a real talent in arranging and composition from Takahara, who it seems is under the influence of Phillip Glass. This of course is by no means a bad thing…

The accompanying video only adds to the experience of the music with natural imagery, soft focus, light patterns, and intriguing time lapse shots in a demonstration of elegance and taste.

There is a lot to like here and thankfully there is more to come as a debut album titled ‘See-Through’ is due for release February 24th also. Takahara describes it as “Introspective and expansive at the same time, — a collection of classical music with a contemporary spirit.” which seems apt based on the evidence so far.

For now ‘Tide’ is the only track available from the record, but if it is is anything to go by then the album should be a very interesting listen.