Hi-Liter
- Hi-Liter (5:16)
- Another Hi-Liter (4:50)
- Hi-Liter (Acoustic) (5:32)
Now on Streaming
Lyrics
Hi-Liter
緩やかにみるみる馴染む網を 場違いな気分隠して なんとなく眺めてる 合図は暗い 幾重にも連なる 零時の狭間を越え 変わらないその言葉と 変えられない言葉を 合図は暗い 捉える捉える どんな雑音でも捉えてみる日が 今はどんな雑音でも捉えてみる日が これはそうだ 微かな記録 また会えるその日まで バイバイ 合図は暗い 捉える捉える どんな雑音でも捉えてみる日が 今はどんな雑音でも捉えてみる日が 捉える捉える すれ違う瞬間を変えてゆく日が それがどんな風に変わるのかを見たい — Japanese reworked version for "Novel", written later
Another Hi-Liter
黒い砂漠 目に溢れた 場違いな期待ふっと払う あらゆる傷の正体 人間同士が 笑いながら踊る ひび割れた薄い氷の上で あらゆる傷の正体 能う 一度は胸に沁み入る血が 能う 一度は風をはらんでいた 能う 一度は夢に描いていた — Japanese reworked version for "Timshel", written later
Hi-Liter (Acoustic)
— Same format as Track 1, “Hi-Liter”
Intro
The EP “Hi-Liter”, released on November 15, 2007, was created as a gift for the website of the late Tetsu Kawahara, author of “Meigaza Bangaichi “Shinjuku Showakan” Kizudarake no Seisuiki” (Gentosha Outlaw Bunko). Born from a special relationship with Kawahara, the EP was made in a style slightly different from usual otom works. It includes alternate versions of the same song, forming a work that explores the idea of “doing something completely different with the same song.”
Note
The “Hi-Liter” EP is an experimental work centered on songs created through the collaboration with author Tetsu Kawahara. Kawahara and otom first met as colleagues at a theater in Asakusa after Kawahara left Shinjuku Showakan, and later Kawahara became the first client when otom started his own web company. Around this time, otom also sent Kawahara various unreleased songs. The title track, Hi-Liter, features guitars shift from clean to distorted, lively drums, and multilayered vocals, and its different versions show how the same song can feel different. The EP also includes Another Hi-Liter, created with the idea of “doing something completely different without changing the lyrics,” and the acoustic track Hi-Liter (Acoustic), with just guitar and voice, giving each song a distinct sound and atmosphere.
1. Hi-Liter
“Hi-Liter” was created for author Tetsu Kawahara, and its title comes from the cigarette “hi-lite” that he often smoked. The song carries a sense of concern and conflict about the world at the time, and although it was born from a personal relationship, it expresses more universal emotions. The tempo is slightly fast, with subtle elements of shoegaze and math rock. Lively drums drive the track, while guitars shift from clean to distorted overlap in multiple layers, and a melodic bass pushes the song forward. Vocals are overdubbed in multiple layers, spreading from left to right and blending with the guitar and bass lines. At key moments, fugue-like phrases are stacked, creating tension and release. Within a simple pop song framework, the track aims for a sound full of movement and depth.
Later, in 2021, it was retitled “Novel”, rewritten with Japanese lyrics, rebuilt, and released as a single.
2. Another Hi-Liter
“Another Hi-Liter” was created during the making of this EP with the idea of “doing something completely different without changing the lyrics.” Using the same words and melody, the song aims to create a completely different feeling. The sound is influenced by bands frequently listened to at the time, such as The Jesus & Mary Chain and Cocteau Twins. This track also marks the beginning of intentionally layering vocals in a cascading style. A mid-tempo song with a shoegaze and dream pop atmosphere, it features floating guitars and multilayered vocal phrases at its core. On top of looping drum patterns and a freely moving bass, these sounds are stacked to create a sonic image distinct from the original “Hi-Liter”.
Later, in 2021, it was retitled “Timshel”, rewritten with Japanese lyrics, rebuilt, and released as a single.
3. Hi-Liter (Acoustic)
“Hi-Liter (Acoustic)” is a stripped-down, solo version of the opening track “Hi-Liter”, rebuilt using only voice and guitar. With its simple arrangement, the melody and lyrics come into sharper focus, and the delicate sound of voice and strings conveys the emotion of the song in a direct and close way.
Outro
The “Hi-Liter” EP brings together songs born from different backgrounds and from otom’s connection with author Tetsu Kawahara into a single flow. With guitars shifting from clean to distorted tones, layered vocals, and arrangements shaped by tension and release, each track carries its own character and sound. Enjoy.
“Hi-Liter” is available on Bandcamp, with high-quality versions available for purchase.
