09/01/2026
Week in, week out, I struggle with an active imagination and a wandering mind… I wish I could take it down a notch with just an action or activity. Music can help sometimes, and I long for music that will calm my brain. But most times, smooth or soothing music causes the opposite effect for me. That's when I reach out for something challenging to listen to. It’s like Ritalin for a hyperactive child. It’s stimulating, so it helps me focus. Seems counter-intuitive, right?! Well…
Now it’s time to focus on a description of an album released last week on Lithic. TAKAHIRO MUKAI – wooden movements.
The pulsing electronics and swelling oscillators on ‘wooden movements’ create an exciting, bizarre environment. A feeling close to concern for safety comes to mind. Will I make it out alright? To the end of this record? Will I be okay? Oh yes. Quite OK.
The lo-fi, rhythmic format seems familiar, like a video game soundtrack from childhood, while the dissonance challenges my natural desire for harmony. Quite listenable; in fact, toe-tapping… although slightly disconcerting. For an enthusiastic enjoyer of electronic music, I find it both chaotic and alarming while maintaining a sense of warmth and safety. ~brent
TAKAHIRO MUKAI is an experimental, electronic musician/composer based in Osaka, Japan. Welcome to the Lithic Records family!