Hiroshi Yoshimura | Flora

Hiroshi Yoshimura’s Flora, a posthumous reissue of his most playful album, offers a fascinating shift in his sound, previously left unreleased after being completed in 1987. Unlike his more subdued works like Surround or Green, Flora features lively, attention-grabbing tracks. For instance, Maple Syrup Factory contrasts its sweet piano melodies with an ominous, factory-inspired atmosphere. This juxtaposition of organic acoustics with synthesis creates a unique listening experience.

Tracks such as Over The Clover blend acoustic piano with warm synth tones, setting the tone for the album’s fusion of melody and abstraction. The atmospheric Adelaide draws you in with its slow-building tension, evolving from calm waves to brassy, dramatic swells. Even the most minimalist pieces, like Trick Tree, maintain an eerie, captivating presence.

The album also showcases Yoshimura’s diverse influences. The track Silence, with its reverent, reverb-heavy piano, feels like a tribute to John Cage’s exploration of sound and absence. Another track, Satie On The Grass, nods to Erik Satie, blending minimalist piano with a piercing drone.

Released by Temporal Drift, Flora is a captivating rediscovery, revealing Yoshimura’s growth as an artist. The album’s playful tension and unconventional melodies offer a fresh view of his musical journey, bridging the gap between sound and music, noise and narrative.