Mama!milk
Charade (2lp)
Mama!milk's core members being composers Yuko Ikoma (accordion) and Kosuke Shimizu (double bass), alongside a roving team of additional musicians, including sound performer Gak Sato. Contradictions arise taking in their music, the depth is immediately apparent, yet lightness of touch; sombre moods of film noir with nimble playfulness; and melodic wisdom in composition, with the freshness of Spring. They have been described as "Japanese New Exotica" - could be a cap that fits: there is Argentinian tango in their repertoire, a music that has long resonated in Japan amongst music lovers, they have also been described as "Cinema for Ears", which also chimes with m!m's sound. This is music written for films yet to be made, though could easily suit an Almodovar or any other great movies that play or record the dramas and vagaries of human existence.