The tradition meets the future: a review of Sogen’s album “You’ve Got Me”
Prepare to embark on a captivating sonic journey with Sogen, the visionary electronic duo formed by Rick Goddard, known as Kogane, and Auryn Waring, also recognized as Shinamo Moki. Their debut album, “You’ve Got Me,” released via Nettwerk, is a testament to their creative prowess and boundless imagination.
Breaking free from the constraints of traditional genres, Sogen infuses their music with a unique blend of Japanese influences, futuristic elements, and experimental sounds. Each track on “You’ve Got Me” serves as a portal to a world where nostalgia, artificial intelligence, and humanity intersect, inviting listeners to explore the depths of their own memories and emotions. And that’s the real point of strength of “You’ve Got Me”: showing how different approaches and cultures can work together and present a unique point of view. The whole album sounds of new sounds blended with the past, traditionalism with futuristic, simple with complex. It’s such a complex work of art to review.
From the mesmerizing melodies to the intricate rhythms, Sogen’s music transports listeners to a realm where time and space dissolve, leaving only the raw essence of sound. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including Japanese culture, video games, and early 2000s graphics, Sogen creates a sonic landscape that is as evocative as it is immersive.
Visual contributions from acclaimed New York City artist Alex Futtersak add another layer of depth to the album, with his captivating animations bringing Sogen’s music to life in vivid detail.
At its core, “You’ve Got Me” is more than just an album; it’s a journey of self-discovery and introspection. Each track reflects the personal experiences and emotions of the duo, culminating in a deeply resonant and thought-provoking musical narrative.
As Goddard and Waring seamlessly collaborate across continents, their shared passion for music shines through in every note and beat. Despite the geographical distance between them, technology serves as a bridge, connecting their creative visions and allowing them to realize their artistic ambitions.
Influenced by a diverse array of artists, including Bibio, Four Tet, and Gold Panda, Sogen brings a fresh perspective to the electronic music scene. With “You’ve Got Me,” they have crafted a genre-defying masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of sonic exploration and invites listeners to join them on an unforgettable musical odyssey.
