Oto Mayumi is an Italian-Japanese J-rock singer songwriter who has just come to my attention thanks to the release of her first studio album. Exploring the “grey” side of people, it’s called Good and Bad Shades.
By Graeme Smith
Oto was born in Rome to an Italian father and Japanese mother, both classical musicians. She grew up with a love for singing, acting, and dancing that led her to study at the Tokyo Teatro Academy before returning to Italy for a stint in opera before finally settling into Japanese music.
With her new album, Oto is acknowledging that life and the people in it are not always beautiful. For all the great moments, there’s a darker side, and none of us are exempt from it. It’s a freeing acknowledgement that’s brought to life through her unique style of rock.
The album opens with Kagami mite goran. It’s a bold start, with some big rock riffs and lyrics that call out those who lie to themselves while judging others. Oto’s vocals are instantly compelling and there’s a catchiness to the melody that will have you moving. It’s a rousing start.
Haisuikou no gomi gives us an early highlight with its ode to those who have been treated as worthless. The experimental delivery of the vocals in the verse are a fresh of breath air while we lose nothing of the accessibility of Oto’s sound thanks to its soaring J-rock instrumentals.
Asso softens things a little with a stripped-back opening before arriving at a lively electronic rock number about forbidden love. Datte sticks with the theme of love, giving us an acoustic rock arrangement and a tale of the uncertainty that comes with being in a relationship.
MNHR refers to the Japanese concept of Menhera, or a girl who requires constant attention from their partner. It gives us a suitably uneasy instrumental arrangement. Owl also explores the darker side of the feminine with a tale of a nocturnal girl. Its funky bass and wailing guitars make it another highlight.
Zenbu gives us a bombastic and philosophical meditation on perspective before Lavender gives us Oto’s exploration of gender identity through giant riffs and heartfelt vocals. Tsuki ni kiku gives us a big rock breakup story. Red, Blue and Violet then closes the album with a vulnerable electronic moment about dealing with pain caused by a relationship. It’s a final highlight.
Good and Bad Shades is written by Oto Mayumi and was produced and mixed by Codadilupo from Tafka. You can give it a listen below.
