From our press release:

You read it correctly! We are putting out a new single, called Roboto. Prepare to step into a realm of enchantment! Our latest single, ‘Roboto’, offers an electrifying glimpse into our forthcoming 2025 album:

https://gyro.to/Roboto!share

Blending the ethereal with the experimental, this album promises to be a vibrant tapestry of sound, weaving themes of magic, animism, dreams, and fantasy into lush, immersive worlds.

Memories of Magic is all about magic, and full of beautiful stories which we will gradually reveal to you, with everything from gamelan to gymnastics! It unfolds through a kaleidoscope of influences: intricate percussion, innovative electronics, and sonic bricolage, all enriched by a stellar cast of guest musicians from the world of classical music (more on these exciting developments over the next few months). We’ve conjured a musical journey that’s as delicate as it is dazzling—a vivid soundscape where wonder and imagination take centre stage.

At the heart of this journey is Roboto, a whimsical tale of a dreamer and their enigmatic encounter with a silver robot. Like a fleeting vision, the track crystallises moments of pure retro-futuristic charm, hinting at synth-soaked retro J-pop. Noz’s evocative vocals, delivered in her Japanese mother tongue, ground the song in a sense of intimate nostalgia, allowing the music to relax into its most elemental traits.

No ‘90s electro throwback would be complete without a pingy dose of authentic slap bass. Enter guest artist Dan Curro – a cellist, in his mild-mannered daytime persona – who lays this down for ‘Roboto’ as impressively as any shoulder pad-toting, callus-thumbed 90s bass superhero.

With ‘Roboto’, we invite you to lose yourself in a dream—a spellbinding preview of the sonic sorcery that awaits in Memories of Magic.

Memories of Magic—魔法の記憶—Mahō no Kioku features artwork by nine-year-old Izumi Omote Harmsen (Nozomi’s daughter), which were supplied to Tom in sketches, ready for him to colour them in. These pictures are integral to the musical journey, representing the mystical, magical themes represented throughout the album. Izumi’s dragons (as pictured above) are frequent, but the artwork for the Roboto single features an abstract portrayal of a crafty, beautiful robot.

‘Roboto’ recounts Nozomi’s dream. In the dream, she encounters a mysterious person she has never met before. This person, with a gentle smile, invites Noz to come closer. Nearby, a metallic figure—a robot—begins to move and speak, offering to help. The robot becomes Noz’s companion, guiding her through a dimly lit room. However, the light suddenly goes out, leaving the Noz frightened. When she steps outside, the kind person has vanished, but the robot remains by her side.

The robot leads Noz to a place where there is light, gradually calming her fear. She wonders where the vanished person went and if they’ll return. Soon, the person reappears, and they all return to the room together. But the robot suddenly stops moving, turning into a lifeless statue. Noz, feeling grateful, regrets not saying thank you and wishes the robot could move again.

Grateful for the robot’s presence, Noz wants to travel together once more. She also wonders if the person in the dream is someone she has met before and plans to ask their name next time. In the final lines, Noz hopes for the robot to return to her dreams again, wishing to embark on new adventures together.

Japanese Lyrics:

Roboto is officially released on December 5, 2024. You can save the occasion with your favourite listening service by visiting this link:

https://gyro.to/Roboto!share