EPICH drops new single “Yakumo”

Japanese pianist and composer Mitsuo Kabuki has spent the past several years developing EPICH into a contemporary jazz project where acoustic musicianship meets modern production. Built around piano, modern grooves, electronics and self-produced engineering, EPICH forms in the space between composition and sound design, creating story-driven soundscapes that give technical detail an emotional purpose.

Since 2023, every single release has been featured on official Apple Music playlists, while Mitsuo’s earlier work also earned recognition as an International Songwriting Competition semi-finalist in 2017 with “AKITA.” That journey began with his first artistic entrance in 2017, when he unveiled his sonic vision through an eponymous debut record, returning with new material in 2022 before releasing his sophomore album, Uncrowned, the following year. Since then, EPICH has continued to develop through a succession of well-received singles and collaborations with an array of other artists.

EPICH is based in the language of jazz but its identity stretches beyond tradition; acoustic piano sits alongside modern grooves and electronic textures, allowing Mitsuo to explore a sound that can be technically sophisticated while keeping sight of atmosphere and story. It’s music built not just around instrumental performance but around the feeling of a scene unfolding, resulting in a cinematic musical output that’s struck a chord with listeners around the world.

Now he brings us his latest EPICH single titled “Yakumo,” a contemporary jazz piece built around Rhodes and acoustic piano while combining dynamic modern grooves with subtle electronics to forge a layered musical environment in which each element has space to contribute. “Yakumo” draws its character from the interaction between acoustic performance, modern production and a rhythm section capable of taking the composition forward. The collaborative element is particularly important to the track, with Mitsuo joined by bassist Keisuke Furuki and drummer Kaoru Suzuki, with guest scat vocals from Aya Kurosawa adding another expressive voice to the arrangement.

Together, the musicians bring a sense of movement and responsiveness to the piece, building on EPICH’s ability to bridge detailed musicianship with a wider emotional context. Opened by the bounce of warm Rhodes tones, a dreamy atmosphere is met by the pulse of kick which injects soft bursts of rhythm to the arrangement before the track flows with Aya’s fluttering vocal leads and shuffling percussive patterns. Rolling with intricate groove and bright melodic leads, the track crafts a playful slice of pop-tinged modern jazz music, progressing with slick instrumental flourishes to deliver a charming musical experience from start to finish.

Peppered with flickering leads and propelled by superb rhythmic focus, it’s a stunning display of EPICH’s creativity and production flair as well as the performance panache of all the musicians involved. With EPICH, Mitsuo Kabuki continues to build a contemporary jazz world that connects stellar performance with modern grooves, electronics and studio talent. “Yakumo” adds another chapter to that exciting story, bringing together Rhodes, acoustic piano, bass, drums, scat vocals and subtle electronic colour in spectacular fashion.

Listen to Yakumo below

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