Tropical Imagination by Tomi Chair (Tominori Hosoya): A Trip You Didn’t Know You Needed
Alright, buckle up, because Tropical Imagination is one of those albums that sneaks up on you like a piña colada at 3 AM—sweet, slightly disorienting, and oddly unforgettable. Released in 2019 under Scissor and Thread, this electronica gem from Tominori Hosoya feels like a fever dream set to beats. The genres are listed as Electronica/Electronic, but let’s be real—it’s more like Club/Dance meets Ambient Leftfield with a side of "what did I just take?" vibes.
First off, shoutout to Anouk Schneider for the design and photography. It’s sleek, minimalistic, and somehow matches the vibe of the music perfectly—like someone handed her the playlist and said, “Make it look chill.” And she nailed it. But enough about aesthetics; let’s dive into the tunes.
Track Highlights: Why These Stuck With Me
"Tropical Imagination (Dream Version)"
Okay, so there are two versions of this track, but the Dream Version? Absolute gold. This thing starts off slow, almost teasing you, before exploding into layers of lush synths and hypnotic rhythms. It’s like walking through a neon-lit jungle where everything glows faintly and no one judges your questionable life choices. What makes it stick? Maybe it’s how effortlessly it transitions between dreamy ambience and full-on dancefloor energy. Or maybe it’s because halfway through, I forgot where I was and started swaying awkwardly in my kitchen. Either way, props to Hosoya for crafting something that feels both otherworldly and deeply human.
"Heat Exhaustion (Francis Harris Reform)"
Now, if the original version of “Heat Exhaustion” is a sweaty club banger, then Francis Harris’ remix is its cooler, wiser older sibling who knows all the secrets. This version strips things back, letting moody basslines and atmospheric textures take center stage. It’s not trying too hard—which makes it even better. Listening to this feels like floating in a pool while staring at the stars, except the pool is located inside an abandoned warehouse rave. Weird? Sure. Memorable? Absolutely.
The Rest of the Album
Tracks like “We Are Here” round out the experience nicely, offering moments of introspection amidst the chaos. Meanwhile, the title track (Tropical Imagination) serves as a perfect intro, setting the tone for what’s essentially a sonic vacation gone slightly sideways. Think less sandy beaches, more surreal desert mirages.
Final Thoughts
By the time the album wraps up, you’re left wondering, “Did I just listen to music or experience some kind of auditory hallucination?” That’s the magic of Tropical Imagination. It’s electronic music with soul, style, and just enough weirdness to keep you coming back for more.
Oh, and here’s the kicker—I wrote most of this review while pretending to work, headphones on, completely lost in these tracks. If that doesn’t scream “great album,” I don’t know what does. Now, excuse me while I go figure out which button turns my ceiling fan into a strobe light…
