Hinako Omori’s “Stillness, Softness…”

A Deep Dive into Introspective Soundscapes

Hinako Omori’s mesmerizing debut album captivated listeners by incorporating elements of sound therapy and the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (“forest-bathing”) to create an immersive experience. With her sophomore release, “Stillness, Softness…”, Omori continues to delve into the world of ambient soundscapes while introducing a newfound focus on introspection.

Throughout the album’s 40-minute runtime, Omori’s streams of consciousness flow seamlessly, creating a dizzying effect akin to a book written in one sentence. For the first time, she centers her voice, resulting in a blend of binaural instrumental tracks and experimental pop tunes that defy categorization.

The album’s standout track, “In Limbo,” exemplifies this fusion of styles, blurring the lines between the two states. On “Ember,” Omori sings, “You close the door and here I am waiting, holding the key,” leaving listeners guessing whether her delicate vocals will launch into power-pop or meld into the ambient backdrop.

Themes of shadow selves and human repression recur throughout “Stillness, Softness…,” reflecting Omori’s exploration of self-healing and the importance of sincere self-knowledge. The track “Foundation” serves as a microcosm of the album, with its intricate single artwork featuring a trick-lock from a Japanese antique store symbolizing the protection of one’s most valuable possessions.

Omori delves deeper into introspection on tracks like “Stalactites” and “A Structure,” where whispered affirmations overlay bright arpeggios, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an automated therapy session. These moments serve as a metaphor for the subconscious blind spots that Omori seeks to uncover and understand.

Recorded between her bedroom in London and her grandmother’s house in Yokohama, “Stillness, Softness…” is a richly textured album filled with familial abstracts. Both maximalist and minimalist in nature, Omori leaves every emotional gut-wrench intact, ultimately crafting a stronger and more resilient sonic landscape.

Experience the captivating world of Hinako Omori’s “Stillness, Softness…” as she invites you on a journey of introspection, self-discovery, and healing through her unique blend of ambient soundscapes and experimental pop.