SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: MIYAVI – LOST IN LOVE, FOUND IN PAIN (DELUXE EDITION)

MIYAVI
LOST IN LOVE, FOUND IN PAIN (DELUXE EDITION)
RISE RECORDS

Miyavi can be best described as a multifaceted musician—a true jack of all trades who has mastered each one of them. He began his journey in 1999 with the visual Kei band Dué le Quartz, quickly establishing his presence in the music scene. In 2002, the international rock icon and “samurai” guitarist embarked on a solo career, leaving the band to forge his own path. Over the past two decades, through his solo endeavors and collaborations with bands like S.K.I.N. and The Last Rockstars, Miyavi has cultivated a distinctive sound characterised by gritty, dynamic guitars and a profound sense of catharsis. His music seamlessly melds various genres—from industrial and metal to punk and pop—transporting listeners through intricate narratives that explore themes of love, personal struggle, identity, the dualities of existence, hope, and resilience.

Each of his albums offers a unique instrumental and lyrical perspective on these experiences; however, his latest double album, Lost In Love, Found In Pain, elevates his artistry to new heights. This ambitious work represents a three-year odyssey of sonic exploration, reflecting his diverse experiences during tours, acting projects, and humanitarian efforts. Notably, this release marks the first time Miyavi has unveiled two albums united by a singular concept. Bold, high-energy, and musically progressive, Lost In Love, Found In Pain makes a triumphant return as a deluxe edition, featuring seven brand new tracks that enrich the album’s already impressive catalogue. This latest release invites listeners to dive deeper into Miyavi’s expansive musical realms and intimately personal storytelling.

Opening with a profoundly cinematic experience, the album begins with an “intro” that seamlessly transitions into the vibrant tracks “Broken Fantasy”, “Eat, Eat, Eat”, “We Stay Up All Night (La Da Da Da)”, and “Real Monsters”. Miyavi captivates listeners from the outset with explosive, grungy guitar riffs that weave around pop-infused, orchestral sonic landscapes. Each track deepens the album’s artistic immersion, showcasing Miyavi’s remarkable talent for melding grand instrumental elements with his magnetic vocal presence. As the album unfolds, it’s evident that his vocals and flair for experimentation have matured and flourished throughout his solo career, radiating an energy that carries through to the deluxe edition. The experience is nothing short of exhilarating, inviting fans on a journey through a rich kaleidoscopic journey of sound.

“Mirror, Mirror”, “Tragedy Of Us”, and “You Already Know” plunge listeners into a dark rabbit hole of emotional turmoil, each track employing distinct vocal styles and innovative musical concepts that maintain the album’s captivating allure. This engaging sonic journey takes an exhilarating turn with “I’m So Amazing,” featuring the legendary funk maestro George Clinton, whose unmistakable groove infuses the track with infectious energy. Following this, the album dives into a bass-rich electronic experience with “If You Know How To Dance”, providing a refreshing contrast, with its remix featuring Lexie Liu further extending the infectious nature and electronic zeal to the experience. These diverse moments not only showcase an artist at the pinnacle of confidence but also reveal a true visionary capable of conveying a wide spectrum of emotional tension through a rich tapestry of musical textures.

The mood shifts to a more seductive and evocative tone with “Put Your Hands On Me”, where a vibrant blend of pop and jazz infuses his sound, setting the stage for a captivating musical journey. This fluid transition smoothly glides into airy, classic rock anthems like “One More Time” and the poignant rock ballad “Found In Pain”. In these tracks, he masterfully blends powerful rock instrumentation with elegant choir choruses and club-inspired electronic textures, enriching the album with added depth and lyrical potency that complements the already impressive array of tracks leading up to this point.

Lost In Love, Found In Pain starts to gear down with the remaining Celestial trap-infused moment, “Don’t Make Me Love You Like The Last Time” offering up a dreamy yet abrasive musical landscape before the deluxe edition comes to a thrilling conclusion with a series of bright, punchy punk-infused tracks such as “Not Strong Enough”, alongside the beautifully edgy jazz piece “Sanctuary”. The closing track, a heartfelt piano-driven composition titled “Last Breath”, transcends genres and leaves a lasting impression.

Miyavi has always been an artist that refuses to confine himself to a single genre. His deep understanding of the language of music and the creative inspiration it takes to construct engaging narratives shines through. Lost In Love, Found In Pain stands as the most complete and profound collection of music he has crafted throughout his career, showcasing his evolution as a solo artist.

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