Somewhere is the solo project of Japanese singer-songwriter Saku. Handling all aspects of her music – from composition to production and arranging, Saku is the master of her own artistic destiny.
Gossamer thin and arrestingly beautiful, her new tune – entitled “Kehai” – came to her whilst wrapped up in bedsheets as the rain pitter-pattered on the window of the London bedroom she was staying in.
Clearly, Saku is influenced by a variety of styles – you can sense both traditional Japanese and more Western elements here. “Kehai” features some lovely, tender, folky-feeling finger-picking accompanied by hushed, intimate vocals. The song brings to mind the work of legendary acts like Nick Drake and Vashti Bunyan, as well as more modern songwriters like Martha Wainwright at her most reserved and delicate, and the quieter moments from tall child or a stripped-back early Bat For Lashes.
The warm, persistent, infectious melody is also deeply satisfying, particularly in the second half of the song, where it ascends quietly but elevates spectacularly.
Infinitely endearing, endlessly charming, it’s not every day you hear a fusion of cultures executed this wonderfully, and without even an ounce of pretense. An absolute thing of beauty, this is as honest as it gets. Take a listen to “Kehai” below.
Written by Kinda Grizzly
