Mirae Arts presents “The Way I Am and The Way You Yawn,” the debut album from Katsunori Sawa, now operating under the KWARP alias. This six-track offering heralds a notable evolution in Sawa’s artistic trajectory, showcasing a dynamic fusion of his experimental background with refreshed, vibrant sounds.
“The Way I Am and The Way You Yawn” serves as a contemplative exploration of youth’s transience and the desire to preserve a sense of childlike wonder, all while acknowledging the inevitable weariness that accompanies aging. Primarily crafted using modular synthesizers and analogue gear, the album invites listeners on an imaginative auditory journey through intricate soundscapes.
Kicking off the album is “Frog FM,” where pulsating hi-hats and otherworldly voices collide, evoking the sensation of a distorted FM signal or a child experimenting with an analogue radio. Following this is “Light Dash,” which transports listeners into the cockpit of an enigmatic vehicle, radiating reverberant synthetic sounds. The first side culminates with “The Spectator,” where ethereal voices and otherworldly creatures engage in dialogue.
Side B commences with “PlayStation,” conjuring the nostalgic chimes of a gaming console booting up. “Metal Gear” delves into the inner mechanics that drive our forms of entertainment. The album draws to a close with “Ultra,” a track bursting with raw intensity and mechanical fervour, as if the music is striving to break free from the confines of the speakers.
KWARP’s “The Way I Am and The Way You Yawn” exemplifies Katsunori Sawa’s innovative essence and his capacity to redefine electronic music. The album’s artwork and illustrations, masterfully crafted by Jesse Osborne-Lanthier, provide a visual accompaniment that enhances the listening experience. Mastering and lacquer work by Beau Thomas ensures a polished audio finesse.
A prominent figure within Kyoto’s experimental music landscape, Sawa first gained recognition in 2008 under the EOC alias on the UK-based label Ai Records. Over the years, he has made substantial contributions to the music arena through his stewardship of the now-defunct 10 Label and collaborations with notable artists like Yuji Kondo (as Steven Porter), Martsman (as Bokeh), and DJ Nobu (Nobusawa), with releases on esteemed labels such as Kynant Records, SNTS, and Token.
As a solo artist, Sawa hones his craft in a secluded studio located within the iconic cement walls of a Tadao Ando-designed structure. His distinctive sound, marked by rhythmic noise and deep rave abstractions, garnered him an album release with Opal Tapes, making him the label’s first Japanese artist. His tracks have even found their way into the sets of electronic luminaries like Aphex Twin.
With KWARP, Sawa embarks on a journey through playful and vibrant musical realms. His latest effort, “The Way I Am and The Way You Yawn,” encapsulates reflections on youth’s ephemeral nature alongside the quest to retain a childlike curiosity, all while grappling with the fatigue of growing older.
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The Way I Am and The Way You Yawn is out now on Bandcamp
