In prehistoric Japanese folklore “Amanojaku” is the name given to a demon-like creature. This creature is usually depicted as a kind of small troll-like demon (known as an “oni”) who was thought to be able to provoke a person's darkest desires, instigating them into perpetrating wicked deeds. A “twisted person”. Sometimes used to describe a being with an extremely contrary nature, someone that if ordered something, would do the opposite. This may be a strange introduction but might be the best way to set a discussion about our friend Hoshina Anniversary and his new introspective album “Leave Behind” from where the tracks “Amanojaku (天邪鬼)” and “Landscape (風景)” are lifted. Not that we would ever think of Hoshina as a small troll demon, but to say he is an artist not unaccustomed to doing the opposite of what is expected, then it's a fitting description indeed.

“Leave Behind” is an electronic album created mostly using non-electronic instruments, featuring Hoshina’s vocals and socially noncompliant lyrical styling. Inspired by Steely Dan and Weather Report, “Amanojaku (天邪鬼)” is a song described in Hoshina’s own words “created with a rather strange chord progression”. A song he says is about the crisis in social networking, which is no doubt a location where one finds many a “twisted person”. Quote the lyrics: “If you tell me Yes, Then I’ll tell you No. It’s a boring communication. Desire for recognition. You are always right. I’m always wrong”. Words spoken by someone who if ordered to do something, would not be unlikely to do the opposite. But what other choice would you make when finding yourself tied into knots by the endless scroll of social activity. Much like a "twisted person". Regardless, “Amanojaku (天邪鬼)” is a total vibe of a tune.

On the opposite end, “Landscape (風景)” is a song described by Hoshina as “About death, and when I wrote about death in relation to the landscape, I felt a sense of selflessness”. It’s a tune that wouldn't find itself out of place on an album by synth maestro’s AIR and which contains as much gravity as I think the French legends ever did. Quote the lyrics: “I thought I was obsessed with so many things. I feel myself becoming numb. Our own joys and sorrows seem to have nothing to do with the landscape that is spread out here.” A beautiful sentiment and fitting taste of what’s to come on “Leave Behind”.