Animaru. Mei Semones

In December 2023 Brooklyn, NY singer Mei Semones debuted on this blog with her single 'Wakare No Kotoba'. Other singles and an EP followed, in which the singer-songwriter scaled every corner that her imagination allowed her to go,with no one stopping her flow of consciousness when creating music. It led me to follow her down the most surprising, exhilarating and at times mind boggling musical paths, where I was afraid to fall off the cliff half of the time but always made it to the other or landed miraculously on my two feet.

So, is it me getting used to the musical miracles or has Mei Semones held back on her debut album? Right now I opt for the second option, that she played it a little safer. That is different from opting out of delivering quality. Anyone listening to Animaru hears her playing as if she was born in Brazil. Relaxed bossa nova comes out of my earphones and speakers.

The first thing a new listener to Mei Semones' music is confronted with on the singer-songwriter's first single from Animaru (the Japanese pronunciation of the word “animal”) is 'Dumb Feeling'. The first you hear is the ease and expertise with which she plays her acoustic guitar. However, do brace yourself as within seconds you are taken on an adventure. 'Dumb Feeling' is a song that is so rich in its musical changes and arrangement that a novice to her music may easily get quite lost. Paying close attention helps, as that assists the listener to take each curve, bend and u-turn she presents with ever growing ease and pleasure.

Yes, my ears and brains have adapted to the musical challenges Mei Semones poses me. I find myself in a relaxed listening mood taking in all the surprises as if I'm listening to a regular bossa nova album. Despite all the changes in the music's intensity or the instruments that are added and dropped, it has become a pleasure to take it all in and still have the idea to be on a steady course.

I am convinced that the 24 year old Brooklyn musician knew exactly what she wanted to achieve with her debut album and charted it all out in advance. After a few listening sessions more, it is not difficult to state that Mei Semones has not made any concessions in recording her debut album. At least not where the complexity of her music is concerned. It is all there alright. One surprise after the other is presented by her. How many artists can claim this?

The final challenge she poses her listeners, is that she partly sings in Japanese. Unless you want to understand it all, it is an easy challenge, as the music takes you along its adventurous path.

Animaru is a very important release this year by a very talented artist. Time will tell whether it is also a truly fantastic release. The album is jotted down for the end of year list alright.

Wout de Natris - van der Borght

 

You can listen to and order Animaru here:

https://meisemones.bandcamp.com/album/animaru