Eki Shola: 還 (Kaeru) (self-released, 2023)
December 2, 2023 at 6:04 pm | Posted in Reviews | Leave a comment
Eki Shola: 還 (Kaeru)
Eki Shola’s
fifth album is her most collaborative release, and easily her most fully realized so far. She recorded it in Japan with Uma Ebina (shamisen and shakuhachi), Tatsuya Okabayashi (Mongolian Morin Khuur), and drummer Hidenori Tsugita, and the unique instrumentation and group dynamics add an expanded depth to her songs. She first visited Japan 20 years ago as a medical student, and this album is a sort of homecoming, physically and spiritually. “For You” has a gently grooving beat and swirling keyboards, but the stringed instruments are the stars. “Kaeru” is more of an introspective funk jam about finding one’s home. The tense, reality-questioning “What Is” is followed by the more relaxed, reverie-like “Falling”. “Forest” has both dub effects and spiritual new age vibes. “Unity” is a conscious semi-rap about having hope for humanity, and “Not Afraid to Hope” turns the lyrical focus inward. Finally, “Starry” offers words of encouragement, most notably “Do it for yourself”. The whole album has a comfortable, spontaneous flow to it. These aren’t pop songs, but moments of inspiration, reflection, and camaraderie, with rhythms and hopeful lyrics that unfold at a natural pace.
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