Beacon
Susumu Hirasawa · 2021
46 min · 11 tracks · post-punk
A fusion of post-punk and techno, layered with ethereal soundscapes and introspective lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
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BEACON — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its driving rhythm and atmospheric layers, encapsulating the essence of Hirasawa's artistic vision.
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燃える花の隊列 — This track showcases Hirasawa's ability to blend complex arrangements with emotive melodies, highlighting his unique approach to songwriting.
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記憶のBEACON — Closing the album, this track ties together thematic elements of memory and identity through haunting vocals and rich instrumentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends post-punk and techno with intricate production, showcasing Hirasawa's unique style and thematic depth.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features layered synths and a steady beat, establishing a rhythmic foundation that persists throughout.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements interspersed with melodic lines, creating a dialogue between rhythm and narrative.
- The final track revisits themes from earlier songs while introducing new motifs, providing a sense of closure to the album's journey.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady progression with resolution
- hypnotic textures for deep focus
- evocative soundscapes for reflection
- nostalgic melodies that linger
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer short standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on July 28, 2021, Beacon came as Susumu Hirasawa's first studio album in nearly a decade, following his previous work in 2012. At this point in his career, he had already established a reputation for blending various genres, notably electronic and orchestral influences, which continued to evolve in this release. The album exemplified his ongoing artistic exploration and adaptation to contemporary sounds while retaining his signature style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Yoko Kanno· Kraftwerk· Tangerine Dream
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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冷たい歌
A pivotal moment occurs when the lyrical focus shifts from collective experience to personal reflection.
This shift deepens the emotional impact by contrasting broader themes with intimate introspection, showcasing Hirasawa's lyrical depth.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 BEACON 3:46
- 2 論理的同人の認知的別世界 4:23
- 3 消えるTOPIA 5:53
- 4 転倒する男 3:43
- 5 燃える花の隊列 6:18
- 6 LANDING 4:00
- 7 COLD SONG 3:37
- 8 幽霊列車 3:44
- 9 TIMELINEの終わり 5:01
- 10 ZCONITE 1:14
- 11 記憶のBEACON 4:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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