Luxis - Tachidomareba ii sa

Formed in 2008, Luxis is a trio of young women (whose main vocalist is Oda Satomi) with a remarkably mature sound that evokes a musicality from their parents’ generation, while simultaneously representing the forefront of Japan’s pop music scene. Released in February, Tachidomareba ii sa is the group’s second single.

Tachidomareba ii sa opens with the title track, a soft ballad of piano and vocals. As the song progresses, additional voices join in to overlap, both in unison and diverging. This song contains comforting and hopeful messages, with lyrics like "it’s okay to stop when the wind is cold" and “tomorrow is sure to be better." Supported by its soothing composition, Tachidomareba ii sa will definitely put you at ease no matter how stressful or troublesome you feel.

The second song, Minna ai wo sagashiteru, is another soft ballad, mostly with piano and strings. The celestial back-up vocals and violins create a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere. Demonstrating an apparent forte of Luxis’ music, this track boasts a brand of melodies that will resonate specifically with middle-aged Japanese listeners, but it offers such universal appeal that it is sure to awaken feelings of nostalgia in younger listeners as well. Its somewhat aged feel may be precisely what accounts for its appeal as it offers a mainstream, well-established Japanese musical sensibility rooted in an earlier generation, but preserved in this youthful group.

Shiokaze ni sasowarete has more of a pop feel with its positive melodies, slightly bouncier beat, sparkling synths and strumming guitars. The musical interlude features a cheery guitar solo backed by busy strings, and the chorus includes diverging melody lines that are complimented perfectly by the violins supporting them.

The instrumental versions of each song preserve the classic, peaceful melodies of the originals, and they are sure to both relax and encourage listeners. Tachidomareba ii sa is a lovely single that demonstrates the beauty of Japan’s soft pop scene.