Animaru

Published: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 4:01 am

Mei Semones' "Animaru": A Fresh Take on Indie Music with a Touch of Ambivalence

Mei Semones, a 24-year-old Berklee College of Music graduate, has released her debut album, "Animaru," a collection of songs that blend bossa nova, indie, and J-pop influences. The album showcases Semones' impressive musicianship, particularly her guitar skills honed during her high school jazz combo days. The music is characterized by its precision and a "soft landing place" feel, as Semones aims to create music that resonates with listeners and combats feelings of isolation.

The album's opening track, "Dumb Feeling," offers a unique perspective on New York City, rooted in ambivalence, a refreshing departure from typical city anthems. Semones' lyrics, often sung in both English and Japanese, explore themes of self-discovery, rejecting conformity ("I can do what I want"), and reflecting on past relationships ("Norwegian Shag").

"Animaru" also features a strong connection to the natural world. The album's title, the Japanese pronunciation of "animal," reflects this theme. Songs like "Zarigani" celebrate the bond with her twin sister, while "Donguri" offers surrealist imagery of forest creatures. "Rat with Wings" subverts heartbreak tropes by focusing on a pigeon.

The album's strength lies in its tight musicianship and the band's ability to seamlessly blend genres. Semones' goal is to create music that offers connection and relatability.

BNN's Perspective: "Animaru" is a promising debut. While the music is undeniably pleasant and well-executed, it might benefit from a touch more edge or risk-taking to truly elevate it beyond "very, very nice." The album's focus on connection and relatability is admirable, and Semones' talent is undeniable.

Keywords: Mei Semones, Animaru, indie music, bossa nova, J-pop, debut album, music review, new music, Berklee College of Music, Dumb Feeling, Zarigani, Rat with Wings, music, album, new artist, music release, Japanese music, English music, music review, music album

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