by Ichiko Aoba
Released December 2, 2020 via Hermine
Reviewed December 15, 2020
Top tracks (based on community voting)
Porcelain (56%), Pilgrimage (48%), Down in the Adan (33%)
Serenity and peace are two things highly sought after by humans. The constant movement, never ending thoughts, and the unsure nature of life are tough to swallow and we strive to escape – even for just a bit – from the constant chaos. Aoba’s music is layered decadently, breathing elegance into her production and connecting each song to make the album’s laborious details appear effortless. Windswept Adan is a true piece of escapism: beautiful and angelic, and densely loaded with meticulously crafted string arrangements, field recordings and otherworldly vocals. – Jared (9/10)
Windswept Adan basks in a serenity unlike any other. Ichiko Aoba has succinctly bottled up a feeling of relief, akin to a time in one’s life where things started going well; delicate joy comes with this 'whole new world' discovery. It's not necessarily a happy feeling, but more of a respite from suffering for the sake of it, a lifting of the world's weight. That sentiment doesn't last for long, but savoring the most of it while it's here represents Aoba’s artistry. Peace in pristine form permeates from the materials core - unequivocally tender. Ichiko Aoba has created a piece of sweet sincerity and unadorned quality with Windswept Adan. – Peter (8/10)
Thanks to careful folk instrumentation and patient structuring, Windswept Adan revels in picturesque meditation. Aoba’s delicate falsetto is a perfect fit with the gentle nature aesthetics that calmly weave their way into every track. As contemplative and soothing as the album can feel, its stillness can equally represent its undoing. Refusing to gain momentum or dare leaving the cocoon it establishes in its first third, the album is unable to fill itself out and truly capitalize on the beauty it contains. – Enth (7/10)
Alan: 9.3/10 | Cam: 9/10 | Jared: 9/10 | DeVán: 8/10 | Pax: 8/10
Peter: 8/10 | Hadley: 7.5/10 | Enth: 7/10 | Dominick: 6.7/10
