N-qia - Tree

We featured Tokyo duo N-qia a while ago when they collaborated with Italian producer Neeva on One Day, a song for the latter's 'Even If…' EP. Now, however, we get to hear N-qia's solo efforts as they prepare to release new album 'Fringe Popcical' on Japanese label Virgin Babylon Records, namely in the new video for the stunning single Tree, which evokes an arts-and-craft take on Balinese shadow puppets.

The duo, made up of producer Takma (aka Serph, a solo artist in his own right) and vocalist Nozomi, are a formidable pair. Whilst the music is wonderfully orchestrated, almost a modern day equivalent of the gamelan – the name given to the collection of instruments that accompany shadow puppet theatre – that clinks with percussion, bells and clusters of plucked strings, Nozomi injects spirit into Takma's bristling composition with her dreamily whispered vocals. All in all this is a dramatically charged track that combines the beauty of organic composition with swaying beats and dream-like ambience, making us hopeful for their upcoming album.

Virgin Bayblon Records will release 'Fringe Popcical' on the 26th October 2013.