Japanese instrumental band ‘sources’ release two opposing albums through JPU Records

Classically trained instrumental band sources join JPU Records and release of two albums simultaneously today. Featuring two violinists and a pianist, sources’ members were born in the same year, started playing their chosen instrument at the age of four, and met while studying at Tokyo’s acclaimed Toho Gakuen School of Music. Individually they’ve supported Japanese and Korean pop icons such as Ayumi Hamasaki, SUPER JUNIOR-YESUNG and Ikuko Kawai, but together they craft exhilarating instrumental pieces weaved around various ideas and exciting concepts.

The two new albums having opposing themes. The first is titled Ittouryoudan, and receives its name from a Japanese proverb that dates back to the samurai; ‘Ittou Ryodan ni suru’, to cut something in two with one swift blow of a blade. The saying has become an idiom that represents decisiveness, knowing when to strike and cut things off that hold you back.

Tsumugu is the title of sources other new album, and offers a counter message: Strength can be found by bringing things together (instead of cutting them off). Each album contains eight tracks that have been specifically composed around the album’s title.

Violinist Kagaya Ryotaro comments, “These albums were born in the midst of the corona virus pandemic. We wanted to express our strong desire to cut ourselves off and move forward, but also our desire to continue to protect and connect the world with care.

“Title track Ittouryoudan expresses the anguish, struggle, decisiveness and the execution of cutting off, while the album closing track ‘Restart!’ expresses the desire to start again after cutting everything off.

“On the album Tsumugu, ‘Requiem: Ansoku eno Inori’ was composed and performed in the hope that the various sufferings and sorrows of the world will come to an end. ‘Stand up!’ is a song about standing up with friends and moving forward together.

“The music of sources always expresses a “Scene”, an “Emotion” or a “Message”. Although it is without lyrics, we hope that every track can sing to the hearts of everyone who listens.”

Ittouryoudan: Ittouryoudan A strong will, as if they could swiftly cut something in two with one strike.   Honey Trap A bewitchingly sweet trap.   Suiheisen no kanata e What can be found beyond the horizon.   Othello Based on Shakespeare’s tale of jealousy, suffering, anger and the conflicts of war.   BITE This track is the theme song to theatre production of Kyūketsuki BITE, capturing the essence of Dracula and his minions’ escapades.   Shamal Sajin no Arashi Based on shamal, a strong wind that creates sandstorms over Iraq and the Persian Gulf that obscures one’s view.   Neon beat Neon lights glittering in the city’s nightscape.   Restart! The strong will of a person who manages to cut free from their past and move forwards afresh.

Tsumugu: Hyakkaryouran The atmosphere of flowers blooming in each of the four seasons in Japan.   Spanish Love A hot and passionate love   Kagekiyo Dou A limestone cave in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The scenery created by the passage of time.   Aoharu Days The bittersweet days of youth that we all go through.   Yuki no Furu Konomachi de A scene of a small town covered with deep snow and the people who live there.   Fiddler and buddies A scene of a fiddler and his buddies dancing, drinking, and deepening their friendship.   Requiem: Ansoku eno Inori To pray...   Stand Up! Even if we fall down or fail, let's get up and go again and again. Come on, stand up and enjoy life!