Japanese Wallpaper leaves an impression with debut album ‘Glow’
No body of work from Japanese Wallpaper since 2016? No problem. Since releasing his self-titled EP, Gab Strum, better known as Japanese Wallpaper, has taken time to absorb and become engrossed in the wide array of music and opportunities that the past three years have offered.
Through funnelling his vortex of experiences and affinity for layering synth with placid, instrumental loops, Strum’s debut album ‘Glow’ is born.
For Japanese Wallpaper, music fits him like a glove. Now, he solidifies his musical mastery with the bold artistic choice of having the album centre around his own vocals. For 22-year old Japanese Wallpaper, the presence of his vocal is “one of the things I’m most proud of about this record”, achieving the goal of “making a record I was singing on”.
A clear progression from his past catalogue, the album is not “about massive changes or massive terrible things that happened, or big break ups”. Rather, the album explores “the little things”, adding that “it’s fine to be affected by little things”. Strum shares that “a lot of it is me just growing up and trying to figure out how everything works and where I fit into everything”, making it all the more compelling and relatable to listeners.
‘Glow’ invites listeners to the album with opener Ready/Waiting. The track serves as a friendly introduction to the ten-track album, moving sequentially from dreamy and tranquillising, then loosening up to capture a speedier, brisk sound.
Following the opener is Imaginary Friends, a track that details the end of a close relationship and divulges into the transition from adolescence into adulthood in your 20’s.
Wrapped with sentiment and nostalgia, Imaginary Friends paves its way as the ultimate coming-of-age track on the album. Further amplifying the nostalgia of the track is the winning chorus, layering Strum’s chilling, lower vocal with the grace of a higher sounding delivery.
Float sees Strum’s minimalism on full display. Cascading, glittering harp sounds allow for Strum’s vocal to emerge and cement itself. Sparse verses, melded with a higher voice for the first time on the album brings the word Float to life.
Space, vocal risk-taking and glorious instrumentation all band together to create the smooth sensation of the track. Conversely, track six, Tell Me What You Mean By That branches out Japanese Wallpaper’s sound into an edgier, unrestricted pop sensibility.
Tongue Tied is a new marker of vulnerability from Japanese Wallpaper. Employing a weighty, heavy-hearted tone, Strum exposes the tensions of self-doubt, and the crippling effects it may have on oneself.
Strum sings “Tongue tied more than I’ve ever been/ Uptight, I don’t want to be seen”, laying bare the ways in which insecurity and uncertainty progresses into confusion and the desire for anonymity. Japanese Wallpaper’s candour on Tongue Tied showcases his character and honest identity in his musical endeavours.
Another landmark musical moment occurs on Fooling Around. Fast-paced and euphoric, the track’s energy is gripping and textured enough to make you feel like you’re on some sort of high.
The push and pull dialogue between male and female bolsters the attitude of the track, providing a moment of strength through self-belief and unwavering resolve. Emotionally resolute, we see another dimension of Japanese Wallpaper in his craft and identity.
Title track Glow firmly whittles the pastel ambience littered throughout the album. As the final track, Glow fuses acoustic guitar amongst the wave of keyboard arrangements, reminiscent of the delicate, light tones that trickle throughout the album.
Japanese Wallpaper’s debut album ‘Glow’ details the encounters with the upsides and downsides of love and the turmoil of change and growing up. Drawing on these universal themes within the landscape of sonic experimentation, fusing electronic and acoustic elements makes for a debut that will live, and resonate in the minds of many.
Japanese Wallpaper Glow National Tour:
Tickets
Friday 25 October – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Friday 1 November – Sewing Room, Perth
Saturday 2 November – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
Friday 8 November – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
Saturday 9 November – The Brightside, Brisbane