Hiroshi Ebina unveils a lullaby for the sleepless with his latest album, 'Into the Darkness of the Night'. Following his debut on KITCHEN. LABEL, 'In Science and the Human Heart,' this new release dives further into the serene, analog dreamcore that has become Hiroshi’s signature, crafted for the quiet hours of city nights.
'Into the Darkness of the Night' transcends the concept of sleep, transforming it into a profound thematic exploration. Inspired by his partner’s struggles with insomnia, Hiroshi embarked on this project to create a sonic balm for the restless mind, initially drawing inspiration from Max Richter’s 'Sleep' and Brian Eno’s 'Music for Sleep'. However, as the recording process evolved, Hiroshi infused the work with his own sound and vision that developed into a deeply personal interpretation of the nightly ritual. What began as a soothing exploration of sleep became a rich, multifaceted meditation on the sacredness and mystery of the night.
The album’s narrative unfolds through nine meticulously composed tracks, each a descent deeper into the night’s embrace. The journey begins with bright, high-register synths, evoking the twilight hours when city lights flicker on, and gradually transitions to mid-range tones that gently guide listeners into the dreamscape. This sonic descent mirrors our nightly surrender to sleep — a mundane yet exceptional experience akin to a temporary death, where consciousness fades and dreams emerge from the depths of our subconscious.
Hiroshi Ebina’s minimalist approach to sound design takes center stage in 'Into the Darkness of the Night'. In 'Hammershøi Room,' inspired by the paintings of Vilhelm Hammershøi, Hiroshi creates a minimal, reflective atmosphere using water-filled wine glasses — music designed for virtual museums. This approach carries through to 'Into the Darkness of the Night,' where he blends the nostalgic tone of instruments like music boxes to the advanced capabilities of Eurorack synthesizers and algorithmic sequencers, all filtered through a vintage NAGRA IV tape machine. Each track features a delicate interplay of just two or three, sometimes even a single instrument, achieving a purity and clarity that enhances the album’s hypnotic allure.
The album finale 'The darkness of the night' evokes the serene stillness of night with sparse and hypnotic textures. Melding warm analog synths and delicate motifs, the track’s gentle progression and repetition bring a calming sense of solitude and quiet, reminiscent of the tranquil beauty found in Hiroshi Yoshimura’s 'Music for Nine Postcards'.
'Into the Darkness of the Night' serves as a gentle embrace, a soothing presence that guides listeners through the stillness of the metropolis night, offering comfort and calm to those awake in the dark.
