Educate Your Ears: aus - KALTBLUT Magazine

"This album focuses solely on the Koto, crafting a modern soundscape that liberates the instrument from its traditional confines. Drawing upon the lineage of Kankyō Ongaku, the Japanese ambient genre, and the experimental works of composers like Jo Kondo and Makoto Moroi, as well as the aesthetics of traditional Hōgaku, Eau unveils fresh and captivating resonances of the koto in today's context."

"Traditionally recognised for his electronic and keyboard-centred compositions, Fukuzono here shifts toward a more intimate and acoustic approach. Eau marks a compelling evolution, emphasising the koto's voice and exploring its resonance using contemporary techniques. While the album remains predominantly electronic, it centres around the sonic palette of the koto, an instrument emblematic of Japanese music. Renowned artist Eden Okuno contributes beautifully nuanced koto sounds to this project."

"aus, the solo project of Tokyo-born composer and producer Yasuhiko Fukuzono, is rooted in the process of rediscovering and reshaping the sounds that pervade his environment. Everyday fragments-be it film snippets, random phrases, wandering dreams, or spontaneous memories-serve as quiet catalysts in his creative journey. His music mirrors the pulse of Tokyo, oscillating between the vibrant, chaotic streets and the serene, quiet alleys where time seems to pause."

Eau focuses exclusively on the koto, crafting a modern soundscape that liberates the instrument from traditional confines. The work draws on Kankyō Ongaku, Japanese ambient, experimental composers like Jo Kondo and Makoto Moroi, and aesthetics of Hōgaku to reveal new koto resonances. The album shifts from electronic and keyboard-centred compositions toward an intimate acoustic approach while remaining predominantly electronic. Eden Okuno supplies nuanced koto performances. Compositions harmonise subtle tonal variations and flickering resonance of the koto with sustained synthesiser tones and intricately arranged piano melodies. The resulting ambience is languid, liquid, rhythmically versatile, and rooted in Tokyo's diverse sonic fragments.

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