Stones Taro releases LP themed around underwater civilisation

Stones Taro has released his debut album ‘Dwellers of the Seabed’, out now with NC4K aka No Collar 4 Kicks.

The nine-track project features a plethora of sounds and styles, dipping its toe into ambient soundscapes, techno slammers and dubby garage, all intertwined so effortlessly. It’s a balancing act from track to track, with each idea executed masterfully and cohesively.

The album's concept is intriguingly unique: Taro aimed to "compose a soundtrack for an underwater civilisation documentary." This imaginative theme perfectly captures the stylings he’s gone for on this LP.

Standout tracks highlight Taro's versatility across genres. 'Leaf Raining' and 'Harvest' offer mellow dub vibes, while 'Hunter Hides in the Trench' presents a whirlwind of eclectic breaks-y techno.

Title track 'Dwellers of the Seabed' has a different tone and rather immerses listeners in a subversive underwater soundscape.

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The track we find ourselves returning to the most is ‘Deepest Downtown’. The percussion is akin to Burial in its execution, but has the vivacity and energy that Stones has become known for. It has that underwater feeling he was going for, but with the strangeness comes more energy, making for a club-ready heater.

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Stones Taro spoke to Mixmag Asia about the project, saying, “The concept was derived from two elements that make up my life; the name of my child and the sea in Wakayama City. Inspired by these, I decided to base the theme on the sea and incorporate the effect style of dub, aiming to set the stage underwater. Inspired by these, I decided to base the theme on the sea and incorporate the effect style of dub, aiming to set the stage underwater.”

In celebration, Stones is heading on a world tour, with Asia, Australia, the UK and more already announced.

Purchase Stones Taro ‘Dwellers of the Seabed’ here.

Henry Cooper is a Writer at Mixmag Asia. Follow him on Instagram.

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