Hailing from Japan, cultural curators and musical geniuses YOASOBI return with E-SIDE 3. It is their 3rd English LP, with eight tracks, including the hit “Idol” and an English version of “Biri Biri.” The band is made up of Ayase, the mastermind composer, and Ikura, the charming vocalist, who come together under the name YOASOBI.
Derived from the kanji “yo (夜)” and “asobi (遊び)”, their name translates to “nightlife” or “night-time play.” According to Ayase, it reflects their split pursuits as individual artists during the day and collaborators at night (1).
YOASOBI started to gain recognition around 2020 for their contemporary and inventive approach to music-making. They originally released songs based on short stories, eventually exploring novels and films. In Japan, YOASOBI has become a famous name as they reigned #1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for 22 consecutive weeks.
The duo has also achieved global acclaim, recently debuting to a full audience at Coachella and set to perform at Lollapalooza this summer. YOASOBI continues pushing boundaries within and beyond music by blending sounds from pop, rock, and electronic genres. These captivating qualities shine through each track of E-SIDE 3, sure to satisfy fans and new listeners alike.
First is “Biri Biri,” a cute track that blends drum and bass with trap, sprinkled with sound effects from the beloved Pokémon franchise. The lyrics speak of a lively adventure, referring to the game with terms such as “battle” and “electric hit.” It is based on the novel After the Rain With You, which celebrates the first anniversary of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (2).
Next is the chart-topping “Idol.” It is grand and eclectic, with noisy electronic sounds and an orchestra broken up by a jumpy, happy chorus. However, the lyrics are not as upbeat. Ikura sings about the downfalls of being “the brightest star,” such as the “lies” she must tell to maintain a perfect parasocial relationship with fans. The song engages the listener while throwing them for a loop.
“Mister” plays next, featuring bright brass and piano. It is a summer day in a song. This track was written for a short story by novelist Rio Shimamoto about a robot falling in love with its owner (3). The lyrics say “Then I had a wish to comprehend / All things about you from beginning to end.”
“Manimani,” originally “Umi no Manimani,” introduces some pop jazziness to the LP. The bass is funky and a woodwind instrument softly serenades the ears. The song follows the story of someone journeying into an unknown sea, longing for escape and spontaneity.
Then, “The Brave” bursts with a fun mix of tropical sounds and rock. The track acted as the first opening song for the anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, describing the protagonist’s admiration towards the hero of the series (4). Ikura sings nostalgically, “They are recalling the person that you were / Unwavering kindness is spoken of you.”
The sixth track, “Seventeen,” is a galloping rock tune intensified by a bitcrusher vocal effect and fast percussion. It is based on a short story by novelist Miyuki Miyabe that follows the brave journey of a seventeen-year-old girl who must save a parallel world (5). The track is inspirational, affirming, “I will embody hope and carry on.”
“Loving You” enchants the listener next with its crisp acoustic elements and catchy chorus of floaty “ahs.” The song is about a long-time crush that is hard to keep inside, and Ikura is on “her fourth confession.” She sings, “One-sided love, I doubt it’s gonna happen.”
“Adventure” closes out the LP festively with harmonized vocal layers and uplifting house elements. The song was written as the theme for Universal Studios Japan in 2023, based on a novel by Nagi about youthful memories at the park (6). The closing lyrics capture the essence perfectly; “A special day is a heartbeat away.”
E-SIDE 3 showcases all sides of YOASOBI, immersing the listener in various captivating stories. Ayase and Ikura once again proved their synergy and attention to detail in composition, vocal technique, and lyrics.
E-SIDE 3 can be streamed on Spotify and Apple Music, and be sure to check out YOASOBI’s Coachella set this Friday 4/19 on the Mojave Stage (8:20 p.m. PDT).
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