Aiko Tomi – Some Lights Need To Be Dimmed (2024)
Her name translates to “child of love and abundance” in Japanese and it seems fitting considering the all-encompassing societal divergence and union of Aiko Tomi. Unafraid to embrace the unconventional, Canada-based Tomi captivates audiences with her provocative music, appearance and overall demeanour. A pioneer in the pop music scene, Tomi is carving a niche for eclectic pop that is both searing with electric shards and soothing in a kaleidoscopic embrace.
This is our introduction to Aiko Tomi, however she has turned heads and made waves internationally for years. From her debut single ‘Lotto’ in 2020 to ‘Handful’ in 2022 and the 2023 debut album Animal’s Awake, her music intoxicates audiences with raw elegance. Following the critically acclaimed Animal’s Awake, ‘Some Lights Need To Be Dimmed’ is Tomi’s first step into 2024. Come with us as we dive headfirst into the single.
Fusing the funkiness of kawaii-pop with punky waves of hyperpop, ‘Some Lights Need To Be Dimmed’ is soothing with a smile-inducing cutesy-pie cheeriness. Smooth and gentle, the underlying synth-filled melody is a comfortable hug and warm embrace; however, that’s the bottom layer of the track. As the song progresses, Tomi’s delicate melody is flushed with bold electronic pop beats adding slices of kaleidoscopic grit to the mix. For me, it is Tomi’s vocals that bind everything with rich comfort and sharp electricity.
‘Some Lights Need To Be Dimmed’ is a masterful representation of society today from the sweet underlying tones to tumultuous shards of chaos. Interestingly, while the arrangement has depth, it may be overlooked as a pretty song…then the lyrics hit. Enhancing the gravity of our digital society, Tomi explains:
“Ever feel overwhelmed as both spectator and participant in an over-stimulating world obsessed with influence and stardom? ‘Some Lights Need To Be Dimmed’ is an anti-anthem throwing shade at the blinding shine of chronic attention-seeking. It’s a reminder that we can’t see the stars when the sky is full of light pollution…”
Find out more about Aiko Tomi on her official website, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more electropop tunes on The Other Side Reviews Electropop playlist:
