Hailing from Tokyo, Suzumeno Tears is a musical duo formed by Miyuki Sato and Agatha, who together journey on a cultural journey that stitches together Japanese and Balkan folk styles. The duo’s name, translating to “sparrow’s tears,” hints at their penchant for expressing depth through simplicity, a sentiment nodding to the small amounts of money referred to in their moniker.
Miyuki Sato, specialising in Bulgarian folk songs and Agatha, a singer-songwriter and label owner, create a unique musical fabric that wraps around traditional ballads. Miyuki’s background in folk dancing saw her become a specialist in Bulgarian folk songs while Agatha’s musical journey started in her early teens, inspired by The Beatles.
As a duo, they first unveiled their sound at the end of last year, releasing two debut singles with “Kawaigaranse” and “Zaraita Bushi.” Now they bring us the follow up with their brand new single titled “Akita Daikokumai,” a traditional Japanese folk song with the title translating to ‘God of Fortune’s Dance.’
Joining Miyuki and Agatha on the song are dummer Yoshio Kuge and Remon Nakanishi adding vocals in the chorus, all produced by the talented Kohsuke Nakamura. Released via the DOYASA! Records imprint, “Akita Daikokumai” is a lively folk outing that perfectly captures Suzumeno Tears’ worldly sound that marries Japanese and Balkan folk styles in their own highly unique way.
Brought in by the buoyant plucks of acoustic guitar, Miyuki’s kaval flute leads dance above, ushering in the pairs elegant vocal harmonies. Threading expressive split vocals, they craft a sound that pulls you in and transports you to a distant world where classic music is brought to life in a modern way that pays respects to its antique origins.
Peppered with belted vocalisations in the background, a tribal touch is added to the song as the pulsing string bass lines and delicate tapping of cymbals propels the uptempo energy. It’s an epic showcase of the Suzumeno Tears sonic offering that sees them create an enduring sound that stretches through the annals of time to reach us as an enchanting piece of traditional folk music.
Listen to Akita Daikokumai below
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