Dream Away / There is Still Time
- Dream Away (5:30)
- There is Still Time (3:29)
Now on Streaming
Extra
Process Of Dream Away
Process of “Dream Away” blends early sketches from 2003 with materials fromthe 2022 version, revealing the track’s evolution. The track is available exclusively on SoundCloud and Bandcamp.
Lyrics
Dream Away
燃える目で醒めた 凍てつくような夜明けから 生まれてく もう一度 生まれゆく 目を闇で洗え 飛び跳ねるような残像が 生まれてく もう一度 生まれゆく これは僕のじゃない それは君のでもないままに 生まれてく もう一度 生まれゆく 何故、本当の方が上の空みたいなの 何故、本当の方は少しずつぼやけて行く
There is Still Time
もっと早くに もっと上手くしたなら きっと今より きっと少しばかりは 何処かで見かけた一会の人々も 百年先には残らず灰になる 僕らの見えている 同じ景色 それがどうして 都合良い風に 忘れてるみたい 謎めいてる 謎めき過ぎてる 黒いハンカチを涙で洗う人 瞬きする間に変わりゆく
Intro
“Dream Away / There is Still Time”, Released on April 21, 2022, is a single by otom themed around the contrast between ideals and reality. The two-track release pairs the lingering reverse tones and ambient textures of “Dream Away” with the distorted guitars and tight drumming featured in “There is Still Time”. While maintaining otom’s layered vocals and characteristic guitar tones, the single pursues melodic clarity, thoughtful chord progressions, and a more streamlined arrangement. Rebuilt around ideas originating in the early 2000s, the tracks were produced following the release of “Cycle EP” in November 2021. Drawing from influences ranging from 1960s soft rock to 1980s new wave and the broader alternative scene, the single distills these elements into a more pop-oriented expression.
Note
“Dream Away / There is Still Time” explores two contrasting facets of otom’s sound: ideals and reality, ambient textures and distorted edges. Blending experimental elements with pop sensibilities, the single was developed in earnest following the release of “Cycle EP” in November 2021. From late 2021 into early 2022, the production process coincided with a major update of the main MacBook, audio interface, and other equipment, which contributed to a slightly delayed release. “Dream Away,” composed around 2003, and “There is Still Time,” composed around 2010, were both largely complete in their demo form. Although major arrangement issues were minimal, considerable time was once again spent refining clarity through mixing and mastering. The aim was to achieve improved separation through stereo placement while preserving as much low-end presence as possible, resulting in a higher perceived loudness compared to previous works. By placing the two tracks side by side—“Dream Away” with its repetition-based structure typical of otom’s early style, and “There is Still Time”, one of otom’s more concise pieces emphasizing brevity by minimizing intros, interludes, and endings—the single forms a work that unfolds in the space between the songs.
1. Dream Away
A song about ideals and reality. Originally composed around 2003 as an outtake from the first release ep, “Highlife EP” (2004), it remained unreleased for many years. The lyrics were newly revised, and the track was re-recorded toward the end of 2021. Built on a repeating chord progression characteristic of otom’s early work, the piece blends acoustic guitar with reverse effects, E-bow lines, and flute to create a floating, airy sonic atmosphere. Its phrasing and ambient character show strong inspiration from Cocteau Twins and This Mortal Coil.
2. There is Still Time
A song of lament and expectation. Based on a musical idea from around 2010, it had also never been released before. It incorporates the melodic sensibility and atmosphere of soft rock into a pop-oriented form, layered with driven guitar sounds and phrases. Its crisp, tight drumming is another defining feature, and the arrangement places particular emphasis on simplicity. The title references a message that appears in Stanley Kramer’s 1959 film “On the Beach”.
Outro
Although many tracks were scheduled for release in 2022, this single ultimately took more time than expected, and April arrived before its completion. With an album concept also underway, the year’s remaining releases are now under consideration. “Dream Away / There is Still Time” represents a work in which both older and newer methods, along with current ideas and techniques, have been applied to their fullest. Enjoy.
“Dream Away / There is Still Time” is available on major streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, and high-quality versions can be purchased on Bandcamp.
