New album from Hidetoshi Koizumi

Hidetoshi Koizumi is an ambient music composer and artist based between Japan and France who creates dreamy and immersive soundscapes. The son of a professional flautist, Koizumi’s musical journey began with classical piano lessons at the age of four.

Transitioning from a high school rock band to the sphere of techno, influenced by acts like 808, YMO and Kraftwerk, he refined his talents in music production, using unconventional sounds like human voices and car engines as his sonic tools. Signing a deal with the Ultimae Records imprint in France back in 2010, he first operated under the moniker Hybrid Leisureland before switching to his own name in 2021 to rediscover his true artistic identity.

In 2022 he unveiled his new sound with the debut album titled Signal, revealing his updated sonic vision across twelve tracks. Now he returns with the follow up, bringing us his new sophomore record “Number face,” a captivating exploration of emotions and thoughts within the human heart.

Opened by “Border,” the album starts with sparse instrumental shots, softly ringing through an airy atmosphere. As it develops, rhythmic elements provide a loose structure as the sonic textures gradually build up towards pulsing synth shots to form a delicate ambient soundscape of subtle energy and fascinating construction.

“Finale” follows with a looped buzz peppered by electronic flutters and the hushed pattering of percussive shots. Calmly swelling tones and intricate piano touches carry you through a serene and soothing scene that gradually rises with shimmering textures throughout.

On “Psychopath,” Hidetoshi Koizumi delivers a superb display of his creativity, revealing the echoes of his dance-focused influences. Crafting a deconstructed electronic sound, glitching drum work propels playful synth pips as the droning tones ground the track in a drifting dreamy world.

Other highlights on the record include tracks like “Second delight” which injects a lively vibe with the staccato dance of strings providing the anchor of the song. Gently developing with the tapping of electronic shots and stripped back percussive elements, the track perfectly showcases the range and diversity of Hidetoshi Koizumi’s ambient style.

“Blue core” casts an expansive sonic journey across its eight and a half minutes. The subtle groove of the subdued beat picks up a revolving blend of instrumental timbres and tones, each adding new and unique moments that accent the rhythms and melodic delicacy of the piece.

The album closes with “So was red,” a stunning piano-focused outing that blends elegant plinks in a minimal arrangement to bring the album’s listening experience to a soporific end. With “Number face,” Hidetoshi Koizumi goes on a superb exploration of ambient music, resulting in a beautiful album that serves as a soundtrack for various moments while providing a deep meditative experience with active listening.

Listen to Number face below