Etsuko Yakushimaru
Written by: Ariake Tosa
Her latest works highlighting her unrivalled talent in multiple fields have arrived – three on the block!
While working solo, Etsuko Yakushimaru (also known as conceptor/vocalist of experimental pop rock band, Sotaisei Riron) also writes music for other artists under the name of Tika α (Alpha). She recently wrote songs for Momoiro Clover Z (idol group) and Kana Hanazawa (voice actress/singer). A bunch of works she has been involved in has been released, all at around the same time, so let’s take a quick look at what she has laid on the table.
Firstly, the new album “Tensei Jingle” from Sotaisei Riron (meaning Theory of Relativity) takes steps toward ‘something further,’ while retaining the band’s previous trademarks such as the pentatonic scales and disco sounds. As seen in the beats that sound as if they were inspired by Mark Guiliana or in a hip-hop style track, rather notable are the unique twists added, especially to the rhythms. Another trait is that the ‘sound played as a band’ plays a key role in this album, unlike the previous work with a strong tinge of singer-songwriterness. Especially, promising is the rhythm section consisted of Motoki Yamaguchi, whose drums add more dimension to the numbers, and Masaru Yoshida, whose bass blows away listeners with its heavy sounds.
Also delivered is “Flying Tentacles,” which was released under the name of Yakushimaru Experiment, and is an experimental concept album consisted of music numbers that incorporate improvisation, reading voices, and numerals. Yakushimaru successfully created this album to illuminate the avant-garde side of her, by performing an impromptu session with doravideo (musician/drummer) and Atsuhiro Ito (visual artist/sound performer) utilizing her original instrument dimtakt, or by reciting texts written by a novelist Toh EnJoe and combining them.
Lastly, “New Moon ni Koishite (meaning Being in Love With New Moon),” the opening theme song of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal – Death Busters, which is written, produced, and sung by Yakushimaru, has been delivered as well. The music highlights memorable heroic tones featuring wind instruments and string instruments, and the lyrics about ‘Pretty Guardian’ are catchy.
By delivering these three works of different colors at the same time, the multifaceted nature of the artist Etsuko Yakushimaru has been clearly brought out.
