REVIEW

Debut album from Nagoya-based shoegaze/dream-pop band Blurred City Lights.

Ethereal vocals and hauntingly beautiful guitars conjure an endlessly blue, translucent dreamscape. Heart-wrenching melodies gently wrap weary, wounded hearts in solace.

The album’s structure—moving from loss toward light—and its alternating perspectives (I/you, watashi/anata) will likely resonate with fans of ’90s–’00s emotional visual novels and “sekai-kei” stories (myself included). The closing track, citylights, delivers lines like “Nothing to be afraid of” and “I’m coming to you,” and I couldn’t help but break into tears.

The artwork, featuring an angel gazing pensively over the city (created by Ba/Vo Kamiya), perfectly complements the music. At first glance, it evoked Haibane Renmei and Wings of Desire, but after listening, it seamlessly fits both worlds—a pleasant surprise.

I’d love to spend an hour discussing the stories everyone has woven onto this album. And now—let’s meet at the live house and shake hands!