Minuano‘s new album Fruits Mechanical -reimagined works- (機械仕掛けの果実 -再構築音源集-) is set to be released on August 21.
You can now pre-order the CD on Shopify or Bandcamp.
Featuring brand new arrangements—or “reimaginations,” as one might say—the album consists of songs written between 2009 and 2019. These are in essence reinterpretations of nine songs from all-new angles by Minuano mastermind Ogata Takero. Of course, the album also features Sakakibara Kaori (Lamp) on vocals.
Just as with the 2023 re-release of Love Logic, the physical version of the album will include English translations for all of the lyrics. Once again, the Japanese and English lyrics are presented in the booklet side-by-side. (See here for an example from Love Logic‘s booklet.)
The English lyrics were done by yours truly, with the full cooperation and collaboration of Mr. Ogata. Working with him, I was in a very fortunate position of being able to consult him about any questions I had, and vice versa. Surely it is a rare privilege for any translator to be able to directly ask the artist whose work is being translated for their guidance, and after many hours of in-depth discussion I’m confident that the end result reflects the effort put into this project.
And as for what the album sounds like?
The heart-pounding bubblegum pop of “Paper Moon,” with its Motown-esque bassline and sugary-sweet scat singing.
“Foggy Scenes of a Town Passing By,” where the joys and sorrows of the human world come and go within a vibrant Brazilian groove.
Afro-Cuban conga carrying the piano solo that drives the alternative jazz pop of “Barefoot Silhouette.”
The cute motif of “An Incomplete Piece for a Mechanical Heart,” repeating and evolving, offering a glimpse into some faraway, dreamlike microcosm.
And more…
Minuano’s Fruits Mechanical is now available for purchase on Shopify and Bandcamp. The CD includes a download code for a high-resolution version (24bit/96kHz) of the album.