Somewhere Between: Mutant Pop & Electronic Minimalism from Japan

Somewhere Between: Mutant Pop & Electronic Minimalism from Japan presents a captivating journey through the eclectic sounds of Japan’s vibrant music scene from 1980 to 1988. This compilation elegantly straddles genres, drawing influences from Light In The Attic’s renowned archival series that features Kankyō Ongaku, Japanese ambient, environmental, and new age music, alongside Pacific Breeze, which showcases city pop and AOR.

During Japan’s economic boom, music flourished as a reflection of prosperity, merging aesthetic dreams with consumer culture. Somewhere Between captures this spirit, highlighting the connection between ambient pop, underground electronic beats, and the minimalism that characterized the era. With ethereal soundscapes and shadowy rhythms, the album features contributions from pioneering artists like Mkwaju Ensemble and Yoshio Ojima, alongside innovative techno-pop sounds from Mishio Ogawa and Noriko Miyamoto.

Expertly curated by Yosuke Kitazawa and Mark “Frosty” McNeill, this collection is a celebration of the artistic freedom found in Japan’s music scene, where independent labels flourished and artists explored new sonic territories. Somewhere Between not only showcases tracks previously unavailable outside Japan but also encapsulates the energetic vibrations of a transformative period in music history. This is a must-have for any fan of Japanese music and those looking to buy Japanese ambient pop albums that redefine the boundaries of sound.