Tetsu Umehara dives deeper into sonic transience for new album ‘Ephemeral’

Japanese-German artist Tetsu Umehara makes a compelling return to the UK-based Métron Records’ Small Méasures imprint with his second full-length album, ‘Ephemeral’.

Known for weaving music, architecture, contemporary art, and performance into his work, Tetsu’s latest project delves deeper into his exploration of sound as a medium for memory and space.

Inspired by his upbringing in Düsseldorf, where his fascination with architecture began, ‘Ephemeral’ captures the fleeting nature of lived experiences.

Rooted in the “music and placeability” concept he first explored in his debut album ‘Handwritten’, ‘Ephemeral’ is a sonic journey that channels his childhood fascination with the spatial dynamics of sound.

"I want to keep wandering, feeling the vast continuity of time, and continue encountering music anew," he mentions.

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Through a mix of synthesizers, drum machines, guitars, field recordings, and delicate vocal layers, the album unfolds as somewhat of a sonic diary capturing the kaleidoscope of life’s impermanence and its intricate textures.

‘Old Console’ features Yetsuby of Salamanda and exemplifies Tetsu’s meticulous sound design.

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The track begins with a mechanical whir, rising in pitch with a glitchy charm until it abruptly collapses.

It reemerges with an ambient, trip-hop-inspired atmosphere, as Yetsuby’s airy whispers mingle with sharp synth stabs and ethereal tones.

Just after the two-minute mark, the track takes an unexpected turn as frenetic breakbeats erupt, interspersed with what sounds like crackling radio interference. The intensity rises, but Yetsuby’s whispers remain a constant, leading listeners through this captivating soundscape until the very end.

Purchase Tetsu Umehara ‘Ephemeral’ here.

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

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