Neptoons
This my new favorite album, got a lot of good toons! Also seen Yuma and his band live at the Beachland Ballroom and they did a really good show! I highly recommend!
Favorite track: Sayonara.
Simon
If the feeling of sitting at the beach at sundown covering your feet with warm sand could make a sound, this would be it.
Favorite track: Fantasia.
Black vinyl is also available from Light In The Attic Records.
Fantasia is the debut solo album from Tokyo-based singer-songwriter Yuma Abe. Since 2014 he has been the principal singer and songwriter for the band never young beach, whose uniquely Japanese brand of West Coast-inspired breezy pop has found considerable success in Japan and throughout Asia, with four albums under their belt and sold-out tours with support from the likes of Devendra Banhart and Mild High Club. Abe has not been shy about his admiration for the legendary Haruomi Hosono, who in turn has become his mentor of sorts, and offers his services as a mixing engineer on Fantasia. The first single “Omaemo” is a transpacific collaboration with Banhart on guest guitar. Roughly translated as “You Too”, the song’s title and lyrics reflect a moment of unexpected introspection amid Covid-induced quarantine, while its pleasantly warm lilt could be described as suitably Mac DeMarco-esque.
Recorded primarily at his home studio in his apartment, Fantasia is a marked departure from his band’s expressive guitar bounce, instead offering an intimate glimpse into Yuma’s personal universe. For the Tokyo native, the familiar sights and sounds of city life had suddenly begun to feel encroaching. Even a cab ride became an assault on the senses, incoherent noise blasting incessantly from the in-dash TV. “Since when did it get so loud?”
Within the sanctuary of his own home, Yuma found solace and inspiration in unexpected places: The music of Mort Garson and kankyo ongaku (Japanese ambient and environmental music) “Without any words to speak of, they gave me strength and encouragement. I was feeling kindness and humor through this music, in ways I’d never experienced before.” Yuma’s room is filled with all things vintage and his favorite pop culture knick-knacks, from Ninja Turtles and Simpsons to Iron Man and Star Fighters. On top of the monitor speaker sits a Godzilla figurine. One day it occurred to Yuma that a monster like him must have friends and family, too. He’s probably given up on many things. Suddenly he began to see the sadness behind the vicious visage. “Maybe he’s a nice guy. I want to be nice to him.”
The melodies and arrangements may come effortlessly for Yuma, but it's these unexpected existential emotions that serve as the foundation for the rich, understated sounds of Fantasia.
Vinyl Release - November 30, 2021.
Fantasia is streaming everywhere on June 30, 2021.
Side A
1. Fantasia 01:45
2. Omaemo 04:26
3. Many Strange Things 02:38
4. Beautiful Culture 03:38
5. Touch It 02:46
6. Kazemakase 02:42
Side B
7. Television 02:24
8. Arigato-san 02:33
9. Sayonara 03:25
10. Where It Rings A Bell 02:04
11. No Meaning Required 03:15
12. Otayori 00:53
All Music & Lyrics by Yuma Abe
Vocal and Guitar and Piano: Yuma Abe
Keyboard, Synthesizer: Yuma Koda
Drums and Guitar: Kohei Kamoto
Bass: Jinya Ichikawa
Guest Guitarist / Track 2, 9: Devendra Banhart
Recorded by Hiroshi Ikeda [hmc studio]
Mixed by Yuma Abe / Track 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12
Mixed by Haruomi Hosono / Track 2, 5, 8, 9
Mastered by Tohru Kotetsu [JVC Mastering Center]
Includes unlimited streaming of Fantasia
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
...more
ships out within 2 days
Purchasable with gift card
$22USDor more
Streaming + Download
Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
Purchasable with gift card
$10USD or more
"Fantasia" Limited Edition Color Vinyl
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
Yuma Abe's "Fantasia" pressed on "Fantasia Clear Green" color vinyl. Limited edition Bandcamp exclusive.
PRE-ORDER (Ships March 2022)
***NO SALES TO JAPAN (販売は日本国外のみ)***
Black vinyl is available from Light In The Attic Records.
Fantasia is the debut solo album from Tokyo-based singer-songwriter Yuma Abe. Since 2014 he has been the principal singer and songwriter for the band never young beach, whose uniquely Japanese brand of West Coast-inspired breezy pop has found considerable success in Japan and throughout Asia, with four albums under their belt and sold-out tours with support from the likes of Devendra Banhart and Mild High Club. Abe has not been shy about his admiration for the legendary Haruomi Hosono, who in turn has become his mentor of sorts, and offers his services as a mixing engineer on Fantasia. The first single “Omaemo” is a transpacific collaboration with Banhart on guest guitar. Roughly translated as “You Too”, the song’s title and lyrics reflect a moment of unexpected introspection amid Covid-induced quarantine, while its pleasantly warm lilt could be described as suitably Mac DeMarco-esque.
Recorded primarily at his home studio in his apartment, Fantasia is a marked departure from his band’s expressive guitar bounce, instead offering an intimate glimpse into Yuma’s personal universe. For the Tokyo native, the familiar sights and sounds of city life had suddenly begun to feel encroaching. Even a cab ride became an assault on the senses, incoherent noise blasting incessantly from the in-dash TV. “Since when did it get so loud?”
Within the sanctuary of his own home, Yuma found solace and inspiration in unexpected places: The music of Mort Garson and kankyo ongaku (Japanese ambient and environmental music) “Without any words to speak of, they gave me strength and encouragement. I was feeling kindness and humor through this music, in ways I’d never experienced before.” Yuma’s room is filled with all things vintage and his favorite pop culture knick-knacks, from Ninja Turtles and Simpsons to Iron Man and Star Fighters. On top of the monitor speaker sits a Godzilla figurine. One day it occurred to Yuma that a monster like him must have friends and family, too. He’s probably given up on many things. Suddenly he began to see the sadness behind the vicious visage. “Maybe he’s a nice guy. I want to be nice to him.”
The melodies and arrangements may come effortlessly for Yuma, but it's these unexpected existential emotions that serve as the foundation for the rich, understated sounds of Fantasia.
Vinyl Release - November 30, 2021.
Fantasia is streaming everywhere on June 30, 2021.
Side A
1. Fantasia 01:45
2. Omaemo 04:26
3. Many Strange Things 02:38
4. Beautiful Culture 03:38
5. Touch It 02:46
6. Kazemakase 02:42
Side B
7. Television 02:24
8. Arigato-san 02:33
9. Sayonara 03:25
10. Where It Rings A Bell 02:04
11. No Meaning Required 03:15
12. Otayori 00:53
All Music & Lyrics by Yuma Abe
Vocal and Guitar and Piano: Yuma Abe
Keyboard, Synthesizer: Yuma Koda
Drums and Guitar: Kohei Kamoto
Bass: Jinya Ichikawa
Guest Guitarist / Track 2, 9: Devendra Banhart
Recorded by Hiroshi Ikeda [hmc studio]
Mixed by Yuma Abe / Track 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12
Mixed by Haruomi Hosono / Track 2, 5, 8, 9
Mastered by Tohru Kotetsu [JVC Mastering Center]
Includes unlimited streaming of Fantasia
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
...more
Fantasia is the debut solo album from Tokyo-based singer-songwriter Yuma Abe. Since 2014 he has been the principal singer and songwriter for the band never young beach, whose uniquely Japanese brand of West Coast-inspired breezy pop has found considerable success in Japan and throughout Asia, with four albums under their belt and sold-out tours with support from the likes of Devendra Banhart and Mild High Club. Abe has not been shy about his admiration for the legendary Haruomi Hosono, who in turn has become his mentor of sorts, and offers his services as a mixing engineer on Fantasia. The first single “Omaemo” is a transpacific collaboration with Banhart on guest guitar. Roughly translated as “You Too”, the song’s title and lyrics reflect a moment of unexpected introspection amid Covid-induced quarantine, while its pleasantly warm lilt could be described as suitably Mac DeMarco-esque.
Recorded primarily at his home studio in his apartment, Fantasia is a marked departure from his band’s expressive guitar bounce, instead offering an intimate glimpse into Yuma’s personal universe. For the Tokyo native, the familiar sights and sounds of city life had suddenly begun to feel encroaching. Even a cab ride became an assault on the senses, incoherent noise blasting incessantly from the in-dash TV. “Since when did it get so loud?”
Within the sanctuary of his own home, Yuma found solace and inspiration in unexpected places: The music of Mort Garson and kankyo ongaku (Japanese ambient and environmental music) “Without any words to speak of, they gave me strength and encouragement. I was feeling kindness and humor through this music, in ways I’d never experienced before.” Yuma’s room is filled with all things vintage and his favorite pop culture knick-knacks, from Ninja Turtles and Simpsons to Iron Man and Star Fighters. On top of the monitor speaker sits a Godzilla figurine. One day it occurred to Yuma that a monster like him must have friends and family, too. He’s probably given up on many things. Suddenly he began to see the sadness behind the vicious visage. “Maybe he’s a nice guy. I want to be nice to him.”
The melodies and arrangements may come effortlessly for Yuma, but it's these unexpected existential emotions that serve as the foundation for the rich, understated sounds of Fantasia.
credits
released June 30, 2021
All Music & Lyrics by Yuma Abe
Vocal and Guitar and Piano: Yuma Abe
Keyboard, Synthesizer: Yuma Koda
Drums and Guitar: Kohei Kamoto
Bass: Jinya Ichikawa
Guest Guitarist / Track 2, 9: Devendra Banhart
Recorded by Hiroshi Ikeda [hmc studio]
Mixed by Yuma Abe / Track 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12
Mixed by Haruomi Hosono / Track 2, 5, 8, 9
Mastered by Tohru Kotetsu [JVC Mastering Center]
Since 2014 Tokyo-based singer-songwriter Yuma Abe has been the principal singer and songwriter for the band never young
beach, whose uniquely Japanese brand of West Coast-inspired breezy pop has found considerable success in Japan and throughout Asia, with four albums under their belt and sold-out tours with support from the likes of Devendra Banhart and Mild High Club....more
My introduction to Les Rallizes was via Haino. Heard about a rivalry between Mizutani and Haino (that may or may not be true), and was curious of Mizutani’s work. Boy was it a good choice. Live forever in peace, Takashi Mizutani! blcksrpnt
Hypnotic night music on the latest from Assorted Orchids, with spiraling acoustic guitars and drifting, beatific vocals. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 4, 2021
“Write The Soil Lighter” is full of beguilingly mysterious folk-adjacent music, shrouded in shadow and atmospherics. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 30, 2023
Oh how I long for this album in vinyl format! Such smoothness. Such warmth. Such execution. This music begs to be taken along and woven into memories. Everyone I’ve shared this album with has loved it. The music speaks far and wide. Shouting out to a fellow follower, Brian Lehmann, for his excellent taste in music. If not for him, I likely would have never stumbled upon this absolute gem! Plinchmo Larduktin