Night Train

Originally released in 2019, Nightrain is the fourth album by yojik and wanda. Building on the mood of their previous work, Philokalia (2015), this record takes their unique brand of pop even further. The basic rhythm section features itoken on drums and Masanori Hattori on contrabass and electric bass, continuing from the previous album. This time, guest musicians Yuuki Yoshida (pianica, synthesizer) and Yasuyuki Mizutani (alto saxophone) each appear on one track. The album features bold editing, synthesizers, and sampled sounds, creating a richly textured sonic landscape.

Track Highlights:

1. "Giant Panda"

The opening track bursts with modulated voice samples-sometimes childlike, sometimes robotic-alongside Hattori's lush string arrangements.

2. "Brian Eno"

Featuring wanda on synthesizers and rhythm machines, with strings by Hattori. A bright, original interpretation of AOR, fusion, and city pop influences.

3. "Fisikatututu"

Driven by itoken's high-energy drumming, this track is built around a classic chord progression. Yoshida joins on pianica.

4. "Shiomichi Kouta"

A vocal adaptation by yojik of Schubert's Impromptu Op. 90 No. 3 (published in 1827), a favorite piece of wanda's. Spring-like reverb evokes a dub-inspired atmosphere.

5. "Go! Expedition Team"

The only instrumental on the album. Simple loops develop gradually, with an array of small percussion instruments played by yojik. Features double drums, recorded separately in left and right channels.

6. "Lost in Thought"

A mysterious, moody track. wanda composed the music, and yojik wrote the lyrics. Hattori's strings add an eerie charm.

7. "Time and Words"

A rock-tinged track in yojik and wanda's style, with electric guitars amplifying its odd charm. A song about time and music.

8. "Shibuya 1:00 a.m."

A highlight of the album, with narrative-style lyrics by wanda. Mizutani's cool alto sax solo at the end leaves a lasting impression.

9. "You, Like a Thorn"

A deep, shifting interplay of synth bass and contrabass opens the track. Filtered drums and low horns in the second verse create a wild, surreal sound world.

10. "Love Rescue"

The final track and the only one featuring wanda on vocals. A bittersweet tune set to a garage-funk groove.


The basic tracks were recorded by Takashi Kataoka. Additional recording and mixing by wanda. While the original 2019 CD featured AI mastering, this edition has been newly remastered by wanda.