The first release since the hardworking group’s last album connects personality and minimalism

LITE are a four piece band whose discography stretches back to 2006 and carries a series of tracks which delve into the genres of post, progressive and mathrock. The consistent quality of their work, the dedication with which they’ve developed their sound, and the energy they’ve brought to live shows have helped Japan hold onto its significant presence in the field of mathrock.

Starting out from Tokyo, the group are recognisable by the classically raw energy of drums guitar and bass, meticulously cut with synthesiser. The powerful talent and drive of the four artists packs a punch with the bass riffs hitting particularly hard, but part of LITE’s process is to refine the music, making sure no elements overstep their carefully planned limits.

LITE has released six albums, in addition to a range of EPs, mini albums and even DVDs. The most recent activity from the group comes in the form of ‘S’, a single originally intended for 2019 album ‘Multiple’.

‘S’ explores a different direction for LITE, with Yuto Uchino of indie band ‘The fin.’ on hand to help nudge the track towards a pop culture sphere. The quartet’s characteristics remain central; as does their tenacity as they prepare for a virtual wold tour following the release.

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Japanese music composer and producer Masunoji crafts a wide range of electronic beats and ambient soundscapes, largely influenced by hip-hop and jazz track maker Nujabes.

With a background in classical piano, he aims to connect ambient music with electronic, house and techno. In Masunoji’s work, you can hear a lot of glittering and bright sounds; he pursues the pureness of music and an atmosphere that makes you think about the great space beyond. Ambient music for him is not solely about beauty, but has layers of complexity nestled within.

All of Masunoji’s releases exhibit a different style of music. Completely different from ‘Life is Ambient’, Masunoji’s ‘Ancient TOKYO Vanished’ explores solid fast paced techno. On the other hand, ‘Minimal Love’ leans towards dance music, whereas ‘DISCO AMBIENT’ is a downtempo disco house album with synthesizer tunes that throws us back to the 80s Tokyo with a slightly modern production twist.

The album ‘Life is Ambient’ begins with rhythms and beats, then transitions into the spotlight of the album, an atmospheric title track which brings us to an unknown sphere. Throughout the album, Masunoji makes an attempt to create a setting as if we were in a wide, cavernous hall, giving the listener an absolute feeling of space and vastness. From Unconscious Mind, drone synthesizer starts to trickle in with the noise of iron pipes, then Masunoji adds in the voices of nature and birds. It is an album that breaks away from our modern age of information overload and reminds us to slow down and listen, if only for a moment.

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