In the current music scene, where the walls between various genres have dissolved, and rock, jazz, classical, and electro are coalesced, Atsuko Hatano has been at the cutting edge, continually exploring new possibilities with string instruments like the viola and the violin.
Over the years, she has contributed in diverse areas, including avant-rock, ensemble improvisation, J-Pop, and commercial background music; and she always successfully incorporates existing methods into her own signature style, technique and vision. Her career trajectory to date, as well as this new album, confirm the solid progress she has made.
In her new album, Hatano has progressed even further in numerous facets, such as pitch variations, harmony sophistication, and ensemble intensity.
As her strings reverberate and subtly transform the scintillating light, a deep seascape emerges in slow motion. This gradual maneuver is imbued with such tension that it makes me tremble.
― Shinya Matsuyama (Music Journalist)