about the cd

Minamo returns to 12k with Tail of Diffraction, joined by long-time friend Asuna—a newcomer to the label, but a familiar name in the world of ambient and experimental music, whose 100 Keyboards project has toured stages worldwide. Minamo and Asuna have shared the stage many times in concerts and tours over the years; however, this is their first recording together.

These artists are well known for their mix of electronic and acoustic instruments. Minamo often employs guitars, melodicas, and small percussion instruments, while Asuna’s recordings with toy keyboards and reed organs are phenomenal. On Tail of Diffraction, they exchanged instruments for each song, playing those they weren’t familiar with and approaching each one with a naiveté that spawned new discoveries. The familiarity of playing live together, combined with these surprising new instrument combinations, resulted in a freshness and excitement much needed in a world that has been so shuttered.

There is a soaring, almost optimistic quality to Tail of Diffraction. The timbres are very present and alive. The pads arc through sunlight with glittering gold edges, and the guitars are tactile, exploring hidden possibilities. The final track features Rieko Seizo with a flickering vocal performance that further reinforces the idea that this album is a ray of hope.

Visual artist Michiko Fujita, whose work with silk thread expresses delicate light and shadow, provided the artwork for the album, encompassing both the playfulness and desire to search that Tail of Diffraction so beautifully embodies.