ai/SOlate cover

ai/SOlate

hitorie · 2017

24 min · 6 tracks · new wave

A vibrant fusion of new wave and rock, blending melodic hooks with intricate instrumentation and emotive vocal performances.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    アンノウン・マザーグース — This track features a captivating blend of infectious rhythms and introspective lyrics, representing the album's thematic exploration of identity and uncertainty.
  • →
    Loveless — With its haunting melody and poignant lyrics about disconnection, Loveless encapsulates the emotional core of the album while highlighting hitorie's lyrical prowess.
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    ソシアルクロック — This track stands out for its energetic tempo and playful instrumentation, effectively contrasting with the more somber moments on the album and showcasing the band's versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong melodic hooks and intricate instrumentation, maintaining a cohesive sound throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a synth-heavy introduction that sets a vibrant tone, leading into a driving beat that persists through the majority of the EP.
  • Vocal melodies frequently intertwine with intricate guitar riffs, creating a layered texture that emphasizes both the rock and new wave elements.
  • The final track features a gradual fade-out, allowing for an ambient conclusion that contrasts with the energetic start.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short bursts of vibrant energy
  • melodic hooks for sing-alongs
  • intricate instrumentation to explore
  • emotive vocals for connection

Maybe skip if you

  • long, immersive listening preferences
  • slow-paced, drawn-out compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
By the release of ai/SOlate in December 2017, hitorie had established themselves as a prominent act in Japan's music scene, following their previous album, 2016's Re:Start. This album continued to build on their signature sound while showcasing their evolution as artists.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 絶対的 2:25
  • 2 アンノウン・マザーグース 4:39
  • 3 Namid[A]me 4:32
  • 4 Loveless 4:49
  • 5 ソシアルクロック 4:02
  • 6 NAI. 4:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata