In Japanese folklore predating written text, “Amanojaku” is the name given to a demon-like creature usually who was thought to be able to provoke a person's darkest desires, instigating them into perpetrating wicked deeds. Also described as a “twisted person” or a being with an extremely contrary nature - someone that if ordered something, would do the opposite. As a way of description this may not be an obvious choice when referring Hoshina Anniversary and his latest release, an introspective album titled “Leave Behind”, but as an artist accustomed to doing the opposite of what is expected, we would argue it be a fitting introduction for an artist consistent for the magnitude and variety of musical output beyond the last decade.

Opening track “What Can We Leave Behind In This World (この世界に何を残せるか)” sets the tone for what is to come. Interlacing layers of detuned keys falling endlessly into the void - a muted twist on the work of synth maestro’s AIR. Like much of the album, a leap of faith. There are elements of deconstruction and awareness throughout. “Essence (本質)” reporting from the front-lines of personal reflection “Self-will is born from a terrible lack. That's what my experience has told me” echoes around drum tones. But there are lo-fidelity flourishes wherever you look, on “Toukai (東海)”, “Asia” “Obsession (Kyouhaku Kannen 強迫観念)”, “Rine (輪廻)” and “Teinen (諦念)” clank along like the best of 2017 without ever trying to be as mired in coolness. It's a liberating look at Lo-Fi House.

“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”. 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.” Again the theme of leaving one’s history behind to discover the new self.

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".

Coming back to the theme of Life & Death (opposites or just different sides of the same coin?), and what is beyond, Hoshina has said if he were to die tomorrow he’d be happy he created this collection of songs, so it’s fitting “Leave Behind” ends with “Alone In A”. In a year we lost the great Japanese musical icon Ryuchi Sakamoto, this tune comes as a soothing balm to your humble narrator. It’s a song I could imagine the great man himself nodding along to. It also generated from a place Hoshina could only get to after abandoning almost all of the Japanese instruments and Watechno elements present in his work over the last 5 years. We resonated with this overall feeling ourselves, having changed what we are as a record label/event/concept over the last 5 years. Not often looking back. But like most things in this mortal coil, we must be prepared to leave behind the things we do and are, moving always towards the new. Sometimes in the most opposite of places.