Celebrating four decades of uncompromising sonic exploration, Merzbow marks the 40th anniversary of his artistic journey with Indigo Dada—released simultaneously with its companion piece Kaerutope in 2019. This twin release strategy itself constitutes a statement: even at this career milestone, Masami Akita refuses to rest on a single achievement, instead offering parallel visions that illuminate different facets of his current practice.

The album pays homage to the centennial of Dadaism with "Dada 100," a studio realization of material performed at a commemorative event for the movement that forever altered our understanding of art and anti-art. The connection between Merzbow and Dada runs deep—both reject conventional aesthetics, both embrace chaos as creative principle, both understand that destruction and creation exist on a continuum. "Frog V4," originally conceived for Kaerutope, finds its natural home here, extending the amphibian themes that reflect Akita's deep commitment to animal welfare. The closing track "Indigo 3" unleashes a torrent of noise over undulating bass pulses, the blue-tinged title suggesting both the melancholy and intensity that characterize Merzbow's most affecting work.

This period finds Akita at a creative peak, fresh from acclaimed collaborations including his work as 3RENSA alongside Duenn and Nyantora, and a striking partnership with Alessandro Cortini of Nine Inch Nails. These cross-pollinations have clearly enriched his solo practice, introducing new textural possibilities while reinforcing his singular vision.

Credits: All music by Masami Akita
Recorded & Mixed at Munemihouse, Tokyo 2016-2018
A&R: Yasuyuki Nakamura (Slowdown Records)