Phantom Limb opens archives of cult composer K. Yoshimatsu with Vol. I of ‘Zentai’ series

Phantom Limb has launched the first instalment of ‘Zentai: The Collected Works of K. Yoshimatsu’; a three-part series diving deep into the archives of one of Japan’s most enigmatic composers.

Released on July 11, Volume I draws from Yoshimatsu’s early 1980s experiments, offering a glimpse into his pastoral and otherworldly sonic universe.

Out now on digital and limited CD, Volume I compiles three rare albums from the early 1980s: ‘Spherical Voyage’ (1982), ‘Strawberry Secret’, and ‘Sepia Renaissance’.

These recordings emerge from a fiercely DIY period, where Yoshimatsu layered nylon-string guitar, vintage synthesisers, and early computer-generated sounds onto 4-track tape from his home studio. But rather than lean into chaos or abrasiveness, Volume I floats in a strange and delicate space: organic, melodic, and curiously serene.

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Koshiro Yoshimatsu, born in 1960 in Yamaguchi City, recorded almost 40 albums between 1980 and 1985 (often under aliases or in collaboration with his peers), most of which were released via the label he co-founded, DD. Records.

Though his work was largely unknown outside of niche circles, its idiosyncratic beauty and inventiveness earned him cult status among collectors and archivists.

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“My musical interests were diverse, and I created works aiming to expand my musical world view,” Yoshimatsu explains. “During the five years from 1981 to 1985, I was obsessed. It was a very magical experience.”

Volumes II and III arrive July 25 and August 11, promising even deeper dives into Yoshimatsu’s singular sonic universe.

Volume II of the series is due July 25 and Volume III following on August 11.

Purchase ‘Zentai: The Collected Works of K. Yoshimatsu Vol.1’ here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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