Multi-instrumentalist and synth wizard Nao Katafuchi has been a staple of the underground minimal synth resurgence of the early 2000s. Born and raised in the suburbs of Tokyo, Katafuchi relocated to New York City in the 1990s, where he soon found a home among the legendary Wierd Records scene. Previously known under the moniker Superfortress, Katafuchi rebranded himself as a solo artist in 2012, and has released one EP and two full-length albums that broaden the romanticism of new wave and evoke the cold, detached energy of darkwave. After relocating to Germany in 2015, he has since carved out a niche in the country’s rich musical tapestry, also having produced recordings by Mojo Beatnik and reissuing works of legendary synth musician Tomo Akikawabaya.
Katafuchi now returns with Lonely Fire, his first full-length album since 2019’s Stahlgrau. We’re honored to premiere the video for the album’s lead single “Kieta Ashita,” which translates as “The Vanished Tomorrow.” The track begin with deep, pulsating synth bass, quickly opening up into an infectious arpeggiated synth line that is ripe for a fog-drenched dance floor. Katafuchi’s mournful vocals, sung primarily in Japanese, serve as the anchor to the track’s oscillating electronic heartbeat. The lyrics, according to Katafuchi, channel themes of intemperance and uncertainty while the music carries these themes deeper into the esoteric ether, careening toward an unpredictable future. The kaleidoscopic video, filmed in Hamburg and directed and edited by Christopher Gorski, reflects the track’s interplay between light and shadow, hope and despair, and showcase Katafuchi’s magnetic live energy all in one fell swoop.
Watch the video for “Keita Ashita” below:
Lonely Fire is now available digitally, with a vinyl edition out now via Kernkrach Records. Kataufchi will be embarking on a short Latin American tour titled New European Darkwave, joined by Staatseinde and JE T’AIME. These dates include an appearance at the XII Lima Gothic Wave Festival. Check out a full list of tour dates below.
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Nao Katafuchi – New European Darkwave Tour Dates
- 07/18 – Bogotá [CO]
- 07/24 – Santiago de Chile [CL]
- 07/27 – Lima [PE] – XII Lima Gothic Wave Festival
- 08/01 – CDMX [MX]
Header photo by Alex Beran
