INDEX
Imagery Conveyed through TESTSET’s Sound and Lyrics
While feeling musical changes, I found the contrast between the EP’s urban theme and the album’s natural theme in the artwork interesting.
LEO: The main reason we chose this photo is because it depicts the landscape described in “Sing City” — the outskirts of Tokyo.
LEO: The lyrics came naturally when I decided to write them in Japanese. There’s not really a focus on society; it’s more about my state of mind, like a screenshot of my daily life. It’s a sentimental song, so I searched for a photo that matched that vibe. Something that captures ordinary, everyday life — that was the feeling I wanted.
“Sing City” was initially thought to not fit TESTSET, but you decided to proceed with its production.
LEO: Yes, that’s true. But I thought it might bring out a new side of TESTSET, so I gave it a try, and it turned out well. It’s like a mix of Tom Petty and Depeche Mode [laughs].
Nagai: It also has a bit of the 1990s U2 vibe. “Sing City” really showcases LEO’s signature style, but as the production progressed and various elements were added, it gradually became something with the band’s own identity. This EP is like that for all the tracks, with each member’s individual traits coming through stronger, but without giving a sense of being disjointed.
What was the original concept behind “Yume No Ato,” which was written and performed by you, Nagai-san?
LEO： It’s kind of like Cocteau Twins and The Cure (laughs). And even though it’s completely different, for some reason, it makes me think of R.E.M. when I listen to it. It’s really pop, light, and fun, but underneath, there’s a sense of despair and sadness. R.E.M. has a lot of tracks like that, right?
Nagai: Like “Shiny Happy People,” for example.
The song has a bit of that 1980s neo-acoustic vibe, like early R.E.M.
LEO: Yes, including that. I probably listen to TESTSET’s music the most.
NAGAI:
Yes, that’s part of it. I think I’ve probably listened to it the most of all the TESTSET tracks.
Nagai: Really? Well, as a guitarist, my songs tend to be more guitar-driven, and the neo-acoustic vibe and The Cure influence come a lot from the chord work. From there, each member’s color blends in, and I think it ends up sounding distinctly like TESTSET.
The lyrics convey a strong sense of loss; what were some of the motifs behind them?
Nagai: I’ll avoid being too specific, but there have been various losses. In the end, I gained something very precious in TESTSET, and that’s been a real source of salvation. But overall, in the past few years, the losses have outweighed the gains. I’m a big pessimist. When I’m talking, I boost my mood, but in reality, I’m always thinking dark thoughts.
LEO: Really? So you’re like a clown?
NAGAI: Not exactly a clown (laughs). But that doesn’t mean I ever want to die; it’s just that the truly joyful moments in my heart are very few. I’ve been living with a generally dark and heavy atmosphere for the past few years. I don’t claim to speak for the world, but if I can express that feeling through music, I don’t see any reason to hide it.
That being said, I don’t really like overly direct expressions. Like the earlier discussion about R.E.M., I’ve always liked bands that have really high energy but sing about dark themes. I guess unconsciously, I want to be like that too.
