Howl
- Howl (6:20)
Now on Streaming
Lyrics
Howl
笛の音に導かれるような僕たち 宙ぶらりでどこへ向かう こんな展開予測してたならば教えてくれ どんな風に気配を消したのかを それは迷える星屑のため 問われる眼差しの答えはどうなっている 触れた指先はどこか冷たげで 熱のありかを今も探してる こんな展開予測してたならば教えてくれ どんな風に見失ったのかを それは迷える星屑のため 壊れた約束の向こうはどうなっていた 笛の音に導かれるような僕たち 宙ぶらりでどこへ向かう こんな展開予測してたならば教えてくれ どんな風に気配を消したのかを
Intro
“Howl”, Released on January 26, 2023, is a single by otom that emphasizes the sound of distorted guitars. From the opening feedback through each phrase, the song builds around the Marshall SHREDMASTER, creating a distinct high-gain tone. While based on a blues rhythm, the energetic drums and heavy bass line form the foundation, and at the center sit melodic vocals and harmonies that sing about a generation left unfulfilled. Composed around 2001, when the early creative impulse was still strong, this song was originally planned to be included on the first album, “November Morning” (2004). It remained unreleased for a long time, but for this release, all parts were re-recorded and reconstructed, keeping the essence of the original while rewriting the lyrics in Japanese. The title “Howl” was inspired by Allen Ginsberg’s poetry.
Note
As mentioned earlier, Howl was written around 2001 but never made it onto “November Morning” (2004) though it appeared in earlier unreleased works and had been left untouched for many years. In late 2021, after picking up an acoustic guitar and playing it again for the first time in ages, the motivation to finally release it as a single came back. Throughout 2022, unexpected releases and various projects kept things busy, so serious production didn’t start until after the release of “Equal: otom remixed” on October 10. Recording this song felt slightly different from recent work — with its heavier distortion, it carried a nostalgic feel, and even amid the busy schedule, the process was genuinely enjoyable.
Compared to the 2001 version, the song has been significantly updated. The lyrics were rewritten in Japanese, all tracks were re-recorded, and a new melody was added to the bridge. Most parts were revisited, retaining the feedback-driven, high-gain energy of the original while giving a completely different impression. If the opportunity arises, I’d like to share the early version someday.
From October onward, I spent a long time improving the overall clarity and balance through mixing and mastering between other projects. As a result, the release was delayed from the original 2022 plan, finally arriving in early 2023.
Outro
Since the beginning of 2023, otom has been focusing on another project, so music production has been limited. Plans are in place to resume work sometime after spring. And so, “Howl” became otom’s first release of 2023, a track completed with the raw energy and early creative impulse from the early days. I hope you enjoy it.
“Howl” is available on major streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, and high-quality versions can be purchased on Bandcamp.
