New Life

New Life

Released
Type
Single
  • New Life (4:50)

Extra

New Life - Visual

Lyrics

New Life

青に沈んだ街の真ん中で
新しい影が足下から生えた
いつかと同じような
未来と過去を巡る

きっと曖昧が丁度良かった
正しさは特に望んだものじゃない
ひょっとしたら届きそうな
未来と過去を巡る

やがて動き出す列車のリズム
朝焼けを受けて浮び出す君の顔
割と近くのような
未来と過去を巡る

醒める...

Intro

“New Life” is a single by otom, released on December 10, 2015. Following the soundtrack for Akihiro Arashima’s film “Film Fetish” (2013) and a series of improvisational works created with Max/MSP, this release marks otom’s first full work under the otom name since “Hidden Sun” (2008). Built around experimental pop and dream pop, the song blends sharp piano and guitar lines with upbeat drum and bass rhythms, layered with lo-fi textured vocals. The sound draws inspiration from The Velvet Underground’s “All Tomorrow’s Parties”.

Note

Unlike the experimental approach otom had explored for some time using tools such as Max/MSP, “New Life” was created with a return to the basics in mind and a clearer, more pop-oriented structure. From the opening, piano, guitar, bass, and drums all enter at once, forming a driving rhythm with striking phrases and lively drumming. As the song develops, the beat shifts from a heavier feel to a lighter one, while soft, floating flute tones drift through the track. On top of this, hazy, textured vocals are layered throughout the song. A tape-like lo-fi texture is kept consistently across the track, giving the sound a gentle sense of movement and space. As mentioned in the Intro, the overall mood and structure of the song were inspired by The Velvet Underground’s “All Tomorrow’s Parties”. The song is also notable as otom’s first release to fully focus on songwriting with Japanese lyrics. The version of “New Life” available today is the remastered edition included on the EP “New Life EP” (2020), which can be heard on Bandcamp and YouTube.

Outro

“New Life” is a song where tape-like lo-fi textures meet a sense of experimental pop and dream pop. It reflects otom’s return to a more basic and direct approach. Enjoy.

“New Life” is available on major streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, and high-quality versions can be purchased on Bandcamp.