I AI (EP) | 12IN VINYL

Gezan with Million Wish Collective, Mahito the People's directorial debut, 'i ai,' released in March 2024, is an unusual coming-of-age film bathed in a red hues. Set in Akashi and Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, the story revolves around the protagonist, rookie band member Kou (Kentaro Tomita), and his idol, his older brother Hee (Mirai Moriyama), and revolves around life and death. Based on Mahito's own experiences, the film overlaps reality and fiction, gradually blurring the lines between them. The film also stars a unique cast, including Sato Honami, Horie Kazuki, Fukikoshi Mitsuru, Nagayama Eita, Koizumi Kyoko, K-BOMB, and Omiya Ichi. It's also worth noting that photographer Sanai Masashi's crystalline images add a special emotional impact to the film. Unconstrained by film theory, this work raises a common theme shared by GEZAN's recent works and Mahito's literary endeavors: 'How can we live while interacting with others in a fragile society?' We can never live alone. But living with others is also far from easy. How can we overcome this era, when the world has become so divided? Mahito not only directed the film, but also wrote the screenplay and composed the music. The most striking element of this work was the main theme song, titled 'i ai. ' This new song by GEZAN is an extension of their work over the past few years. This 12-inch single features 'i ai,' and marks it's first vinyl release. Led by soft guitar arpeggios, the track gradually builds in intensity, encapsulating the film's mood, encompassing both tranquility and intensity. The chorus, a collection of multiple, wordless voices, sounds like both a lament spilling out from society and a cry of joy. GEZAN has also worked with the 15-member chorus group Million Wish Collective, and the sensibility cultivated through that work is evident here. This track can also be considered a laid-back dance track, clocking in at 9 minutes and 8 seconds. It shares similarities with the organic dance tracks emerging in South America and elsewhere, making it's release on GLOCAL RECORDS, a label known for it's globally relevant music, particularly in the DJ-friendly format of a 12-inch single. Side B features a remix by COMPUMA, who has a close relationship with GEZAN. Beginning with African-inspired percussion, the track features a thumb piano and other elements, before returning to the memorable chorus. The 18-minute, 18-second short movie features a dizzying array of twists and turns, making for a dramatic remix. The cutting and mastering were handled by TOREI, who also works as a DJ. The artwork was created by jvnpey, a visual artist and graphic designer based in Tokyo. Their labor of love is what makes this 12-inch so special. When AI was asked to think of an antonym for the word 'division,' the words 'integration,' 'connection,' 'unity,' 'solidarity,' and 'harmony' popped up one after the other. Each word feels somehow insincere and awkward, but the mirage-like chorus that resonates in the song 'i ai' seems to be trying to discover a new word that would be the antonym of 'division. ' The film 'i ai' conveys the message, 'Let's live together even after the credits roll,' but the message that emerges from this 12-inch is, 'Let's live together even after the music stops. ' LISTEN: https://youtu. Be/H7fFjbGI424 Song List A1. i ai B1. i ai - COMPUMA Remix