On the other side of grief is love and joy. Producer and label-founder TOKiMONSTA shows resilience in her latest album, Eternal Reverie, exploring uncharted emotional territory after the death of her best friend. The Grammy-nominated artist has spent the last five years reinventing her sound through various one-off projects. From collaborating with the K-pop group aespa on Netflix’s Rebel Moon: Songs of the Rebellion EP to teaming up with Candy Crush Saga for an exclusive single, “Floating,” TOKiMONSTA boasts an impressive range of creativity.
Eternal Reverie‘s 14 tracks showcase her signature blend of global music with a base of groovy electronic R&B, ideal for a dreamy dance session. It is a colorful tribute to her late friend, with an uplifting air that seems to hold them in high regard. As the title suggests, each track contributes to a symphony of timeless serenity. Among these, six shone especially bright.
“Eternal”
Kicking off the album, this track immediately captivates with its intricate rhythms and cowbell-like percussion. The effervescent pulse adds energy, blending with a shimmering synth melody while delicate strings linger in the background, adding depth and warmth. Its smooth, easy-listening vibe conjures surreal, uplifting imagery. This bright and engaging tone sets the stage for what’s to come.
“Lucky U”
Featuring Gavin Turek, this track introduces the listener to TOKiMONSTA’s vibrant world. The lounge beat is airy and open, blooming into something funkier for the chorus. Lush R&B vocal harmonies add a sophisticated texture as the vocals confidently sing, “Lucky you to be with me.” A wet and resonant vocal production enhances the overall warmth and playfulness of the track. Directed by Andrpw, the video features stylish, upbeat ’90s workout video imagery and a contagious air of celebration.
“Corazón / Death By Disco Pt. 2”
This two-sided track is eclectic, with a chill disco beat and a hybrid of Latin music samples, adding a worldly flair. Directed by Bel Downie, the video features three dancers freely embracing various styles of choreography. The white-noise sound of a bustling, enthusiastic crowd lingers in the background, adding another layer of liveliness. Radiating pure, looping happiness, this track drives home the “reverie” aspect of the album.
“Say Tell Me”
Unique and unexpected, this track chops and rearranges many elements of an acoustic indie track in a relaxing lounge-house style. The sounds, though electronic, maintain an organic feeling. A shaky, maraca-like instrument keeps pace in the background, quite crisp and dry under the slightly psychedelic keys and synths. Like other solo tracks on the album, there are no decipherable lyrics, allowing the listener to get lost in the dreamy soundscape.
“Reverie”
It is only right to name the longest track on the album “Reverie.” For the first minute, a soft clapping beat invokes light hypnosis, then joined by a beachy string motif that pans as it echoes. About halfway through, the melody changes with bubble-like keys that linger for the remainder of the track. TOKiMONSTA’s ability to harmoniously arrange complex layers of sound mimics that of nature; some parts are subtle, or maybe unnoticeable, but make all the difference when put together.
“Infinity’s Embrace”
Mirroring the mysterious, open-ended title, this track embraces infinity right back. A cloud of peace moves through the air as meditative bells chime and a small choir of voices sings “ah” in delight. Though it is the closing track, it offers only partial resolution to the album’s story. Perhaps purposeful, the tone and timbres emanate an inquisitive or uncertain mood, approaching infinity with curiosity.
With over a decade of experience in songwriting, production, and leading her LA-based label, Young Art Records, TOKiMONSTA seamlessly channels her expertise into Eternal Reverie. The intricate yet effortlessly beautiful soundscapes evoke a poetic reverence for her late friend, weaving emotion into every note. Rooted in R&B influences, collaborations with artists like Anderson Paak., Rae Khalil, and Mez gracefully enrich the journey, adding depth and dimension to the album.
In the spirit of her resurgence, TOKiMONSTA has embarked on her previously postponed tour which will continue into early Summer. Visiting 15 cities across North America, the “Eternal Reverie Tour” promises an intimate, fan-focused setting with a setlist that spans all eras of her discography. TOKiMONSTA’s shows attract cross-genre audiences, showing the beauty of diversity and niche experiences. For more information on dates, locations, and tickets, consult the tour poster below and her official website.
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