MINT DAYS by greAir: A Sonic Journey Through Japan’s Electronic Underworld
Alright, let’s talk about MINT DAYS, the 2016 masterpiece from Japanese producer greAir (real name Yukinori Kikuchi). Released under Romanticism Records, this album is like a kaleidoscope of sounds—equal parts electro banger, dubstep wobble, IDM brain-twister, and ambient chillout. It's not perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. What it does do is take you on a ride that feels both deeply personal and wildly experimental.
The album kicks off with “INTRO,” which sets the tone in the most low-key way possible. No explosions, no grand statements—just some soft pads and glitchy textures easing you into greAir’s world. Then BAM! You’re hit with “LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL,” one of those tracks that sticks to your brain like gum under a shoe. The beat is crisp, almost mechanical, but layered over with these warm synth lines that feel like sunlight breaking through clouds. There’s something nostalgic yet futuristic about it, like hearing an old memory through new ears. I kept coming back to this track because it somehow manages to sound hopeful without being cheesy—a rare feat these days.
Another standout is “REQUIEM.” Now, don’t let the title fool ya; this isn’t some somber funeral dirge. Instead, it’s more like staring at stars while floating in space. The bassline rumbles beneath shimmering arpeggios, creating this weird tension between heaviness and lightness. It’s hypnotic as hell, and halfway through, when the beat drops out completely, leaving just this fragile melody hanging there… man, it gives me chills every time. This track reminds me why I fell in love with electronic music in the first place—it’s emotional without needing words.
Of course, there are other gems too. Tracks like “STAR GATE” and “INNUMERABLE SKIES” bring the cosmic vibes, while “AUTUMN QUOTES” leans into that cozy, reflective mood we all crave during sweater weather. But honestly, part of what makes MINT DAYS so special is how unpredictable it feels. One moment you’re vibing to crunchy electro beats (“SUPER DOOP”), and the next you’re lost in dreamy ambience (“GREEN AIR”). It keeps you guessing, and that’s kinda refreshing.
Here’s the thing though—while the production is tight and the ideas are bold, the album occasionally feels like it’s trying too hard to cover all its bases. Some transitions between tracks could’ve been smoother, and maybe a couple tunes overstayed their welcome. But hey, who am I to complain? These minor flaws just make it feel more human, less like some algorithm-generated playlist.
So yeah, MINT DAYS might not change your life or anything, but it’ll definitely leave a mark. Listening to it feels like flipping through someone’s diary—messy, intimate, full of little surprises. And isn’t that what great art’s supposed to do? Make you feel connected, even if only for a few minutes?
Final thought: If greAir ever made a video game soundtrack, I’d drop everything to play it. Just saying.
