Audio Safari started as a small project in 2003 consisting of vocalist Mami Sakurai ( 桜井まみ) and Daisuke Yoshiga, the guitarist/programmer who later started the soon to be featured band Neue Nahel. After releasing their first EP "Monorica" in 2005 a drummer and bassist were added to provide a fuller experience to the band. Two years later their much anticipated full length album "Urunosora" (ウルノソラ had been released under the Thanks Giving label.
Urunosora is an atmospheric exploration of dream pop and electronic music, which have proven to be an incredible combination time and time again. If I had to give an alternative to formidable artists such as Bjork or Portishead, Audio Safari would be my first choice. They simply have a knack for creating imaginative foundries where each song slowly builds up an ethereal skyscraper as large as it is delicate. Besides the craftsmanship of Yoshiga and the backing band, Mami Sakurai lets out a stream of beautifully timed melodies as naturally as you would be able to speak. The untaught coordination of Audio Safari is in my opinion what made this band so special. Unfortunately soon after the release of this album the group split up. Enjoy this track from Urunosora, 泡に響く (Awa ni Hibiku).
You can also watch this song performed live! It is most likely a promotional show at a record store shortly after the release of Urunosora. I highly recommend checking it out HERE.
Stream the album HERE.
