motel void

I have a soft spot for musical collaborations – especially when they cross borders. This time, the journey runs between the Philippines and Japan: the sonically mature, modern-sounding, and genre-diverse EP SETSUNA comes from the duo Muri & Shigge.

The record opens with GOLDEN HOUR, which immediately makes it clear this will be a sonic treat – precise vocals matched with equally meticulous production. The former comes from Filipino indie pop/soul artist Muri, while the latter is in the hands of Japanese producer Shigge. The first minute draws you in with a seductive atmosphere – but what pleasantly jolted me was the break around the one-minute mark and the burst of energy from the beat, the kind that would instantly get you moving. Overall, the track radiates a dancey, neon-lit vibe.

The second track, BAD NEWS, sails on the waves of alternative R&B – but it doesn’t stay anchored in one genre either. Over time, it morphs into a mix of neo-soul with hints of dance-floor energy. Thanks to Muri’s captivating voice and Shigge’s high-quality production, it’s an absolute pleasure to listen to. Though most of the EP was created remotely – from Manila, Tokyo, and London – with the two artists sending demos back and forth and building on each other’s ideas, the sound instantly transports me to the bustling streets of Japanese metropolises, where I spent about three weeks a few years ago. It’s the perfect soundtrack for wandering through narrow alleyways, occasionally peeking into bars and clubs…

MIDNIGHT CALLS leans more into a soulful mood – perhaps it’s Muri’s voice that naturally gravitates toward this style, creating a truly immersive feel. The chorus brings another shift in energy. As Muri herself admits, she was listening to plenty of synth-driven dance and house music to get into the groove – from Kaytranada to Cody Curry and PinkPantheress.

Finally, SAYAW opens with the gentle strum of an acoustic guitar, evoking lo-fi bedroom pop – but soon strings enter, adding instrumental richness and depth. The surprise comes when the vocals join in, and the track transforms into a club-ready piece that fuses drum’n’bass with near-rap vocal phrasing.

SETSUNA symbolizes the beauty of fleeting moments – powerful yet ephemeral. The Japanese word, rooted in Buddhist tradition, means “instant.” The title couldn’t have been chosen more aptly: the EP has a truly magical atmosphere, one that stirs a kaleidoscope of moods and memories.

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