The Ethereal Romance of nOrikO
Reviving French Romance Through Music
nOrikO first ventured into the realm of romance à la française with her enchanting rendition of Jane Birkin’s “Quoi,” featured towards the end of her EP, Melting Moment. This bilingual cover blends English lyrics from the jazz standard “All of Me” with a captivating soundscape. The track is propelled by a persistent piano riff, downtempo breakbeats, and intertwining string and guitar melodies. nOrikO’s breathy vocal delivery is so tender it might have even made Birkin herself blush. Her voice resonates with a bell-like clarity on the high notes, encapsulating the doe-eyed softness and unabashed romanticism reminiscent of yé-yé divas such as Catherine Ribeiro and Françoise Hardy, who continue to grace lovers’ mixtapes.
A Search for Meaning in Love
Despite its dreamy aesthetics, nOrikO’s exploration of romance is anchored in a profound quest for meaning. In her subsequent full-length album for Columbia, Love Me, named partly after a tune by Polnareff, she dedicates an entire track to defining the complexities of love: “Love is light/Love is hope/Love is real/Love is hopeless/Love is lose/Love is hate.” Her yearning transcends romantic love; in the second half of Melting Moment, she opens with “Those Were the Days,” a nostalgic piece popularized by Welsh singer Mary Hopkin in 1968. Set against a backdrop reminiscent of UK garage, this upbeat track unfurls into a tapestry of melancholic reminiscence. nOrikO’s low, weary vocals stir feelings as she reflects on times when she and her friends would “fight and never lose.” In her view, the highs and lows of love and friendship can also signify an apocalypse.
Context and Reception
Melting Moment emerged during the twilight of Japan’s golden era of Western-inspired genres like city pop and shibuya-kei. Despite its rich influences from England and France, the EP’s portrayal of a wandering soul seeking solace in bustling nightclubs didn’t achieve mainstream success. “In Japan, it found a niche among young enthusiasts of edgy music, but it didn’t resonate with the broader audience that favored J-pop,” nOrikO shared with Resident Advisor in 2024. Following the release of Melting Moment, she produced a few more albums under the name POiSON GiRL FRiEND before taking a significant hiatus from the project. She relocated to France, where she occasionally DJed and performed, collaborated on various music projects under aliases like Dark Eyed Kid and Kiss-O-Matic, and chronicled her experiences through her blog.
A Resurgence of Interest
In recent years, the borderless perspective and genre-blending approach of Melting Moment have captivated a global audience, establishing it as a quietly revolutionary work and nOrikO as an overlooked electronic pioneer. In 2021, her track “Nobody” from POiSON GiRL FRiEND’s 1993 album Shyness was featured in the acclaimed compilation Heisei no oto: Japanese Left-Field Pop From the CD Age (1989-1996), reigniting interest in her music. The following year, Melting Moment was reissued on vinyl, and nOrikO’s ethereal voice graced the song “So Many Ways” by Kiss Facility, a collaboration with Mayah Alkhateri and Sega Bodega’s shoegaze duo. As POiSON GiRL FRiEND found new followers, nOrikO embarked on a world tour that included stops in China and the U.S., with a European tour scheduled for 2025, beginning with a sold-out performance in Paris.
The Closing Reflections of Melting Moment
The title track of Melting Moment sees nOrikO singing in English, French, and Japanese, her voice piercing through as she reconciles with a relationship that has faded into unspoken words. The record concludes with a poignant violin solo and elegant piano, evoking a restorative moment akin to basking in sunlight and breeze after an evening spent dancing away a broken heart. Perhaps the enduring appeal that draws new generations to this underground treasure lies in its delicate sense of hope. On “The Future Is Now,” she reflects on a world in disarray, urging listeners to take action: “Why don’t we try/To save our planet for our children?” Along with a simple yet resonant exhortation: “Don’t be negative!” Melting Moment stands as a small utopia, radiating warmth and inviting listeners to embrace the present amidst the encroaching isolation of the modern world.
Conclusion
nOrikO’s Melting Moment serves as a poignant reminder of the power of music to blend cultural influences and evoke deep emotional responses. Through her ethereal soundscapes and introspective lyrics, she crafts a narrative that resonates across generations, encouraging a sense of connection and hope in an increasingly fragmented world.
FAQs
What inspired nOrikO’s music style?
nOrikO’s music draws inspiration from various genres, including yé-yé, city pop, and shibuya-kei, blending these influences into her unique sound characterized by ethereal vocals and rich instrumentals.
What is the significance of the title track “Melting Moment”?
The title track reflects nOrikO’s journey of reconciling with past relationships, emphasizing themes of unspoken words and emotional closure, encapsulated in a lush musical arrangement.
How has nOrikO’s music been received in recent years?
Recently, nOrikO’s music has gained renewed interest and appreciation globally, with her earlier works being recognized as influential in the electronic and pop music scenes.
What can fans expect from nOrikO’s upcoming tour?
Fans can look forward to live performances that showcase her unique sound and artistic evolution, with the opportunity to experience her music in an engaging live setting.
