Album Review: Retreat by Masahiro Takahashi
Masahiro Takahashi’s Retreat isn’t your run-of-the-mill electronic album. Released in 2014 under the Canadian label Jeunesse Cosmique (with a little help from UHIRA UHIRA), this record blends jazz, pop, and electronic vibes into something that feels both fresh and nostalgic. It’s like walking into a dimly lit café where they’re playing music you didn’t know you needed to hear.
One track that sticks out is “Waves of Static.” It starts with these glitchy, almost nervous beats but then smooths out into this lush, jazzy groove. You can tell Takahashi has a knack for layering sounds without overdoing it. The bassline feels like it’s hugging your brain while the synths float around like lazy clouds. There’s just enough unpredictability to keep you hooked—like when the melody dips into what I can only describe as “digital melancholy.” That moment? Pure gold.
Another standout is “Echo Chamber Dreams.” This one leans more into the pop side of things but still carries that experimental edge. The rhythm is infectious, kind of like tapping your foot on a train platform even though you’re not waiting for anything. What gets me every time is how Takahashi uses space in the mix—he lets notes breathe before pulling them back into the chaos. It’s subtle, but it makes all the difference. By the end, you’re left wondering if you’ve been dancing or daydreaming.
What makes Retreat so memorable is its balance between complexity and chill. It doesn’t try too hard to impress; instead, it invites you to sit with it for a bit. And honestly, that’s rare these days. Listening to this album feels like finding an old Polaroid photo—you don’t remember taking it, but once you see it, it clicks.
Here’s the kicker: despite being nearly a decade old, Retreat doesn’t feel dated at all. If anything, it’s ahead of its time. Or maybe we’re finally catching up to Takahashi’s wavelength. Either way, give this one a spin. Just don’t blame me if you start hearing echoes of it in your sleep.
