Nisemono by Ginger Root | EP Review
A tantalizing elevator soul/City Pop EP drenched in vintage, creative storytelling tackles mental health incredibly well
Introduction
I’ve been an avid listener of the Ginger Root project for quite a while. Honestly, this EP gives me hope for a full-length album. The nostalgia, retro equipment and glassy, textured synth melodies are a delight to experience.
Cameron’s vision as an artist is pretty ambitious when you look at it — telling a story, writing music with well-known Japanese City Pop artists serving as primary influences seems daunting. The marketing for this EP was also pretty interesting.
Each song chronicles the adventures happening within his fictional world, teaching lessons about having your own identity, pursuing personal goals and the disadvantages of imposter syndrome. The songs (accompanied with the music videos), felt like a weekly 90s television show that hooks listeners into a uniquely woven but fictional world.
Tracks
Kimiko! introduces us to a fictional pop star in the making. She’s pretty excited about it. Except, for the rest of the story, she vanishes, making our protagonist, Ginger Root, take the lead.
Loneliness is a vivid description of Ginger’s feelings — he’s being used as a replacement — this ends up making him feel isolated. Being pushed around by his managers so that they can appease the fans doesn’t help things either — it just makes him nervous as time passes by.
Holy Hell shows a confused point-of-view of our protagonist. He isn’t experienced at Kimiko’s job, so obviously, Ginger tries to rebel. His first attempt at trying to break free from the hands of the idol industry. This song and its title could be interpreted as a general commentary on how toxic and controlling the idol world as a whole, at least in my opinion. More empathy towards these types of artists should be displayed, because you never know what they're going through.
Holy Hell- a place which expects you to pretend to be innocent for the camera, when in reality, you can barely hold yourself together. What a multi-bladed title!
Over the Hill shows a jolly, mischievous Ginger, as he hides from the management. He is free from them for now. The search is on! But his conscience warns him — he can’t run from his inherited career forever.
Nisemono shows that he has come to terms with his fate — the show must go on. He acknowledges that he suffered from imposter syndrome, and he can’t cover it up easily. Coming clean is easier in this case.
Everything’s Alright (Meet You in the Galaxy Ending Theme) is a fitting conclusion to the story. He tries to confirm if Kimiko is mentally better. He hopes she’s better and prepared for the difficult road to stardom.
Conclusion
Uniquely crafted, pulsing electronic synths and watered-down drums tell a short but memorable period piece. Coupled with an unorthodox way of tackling themes of mental health, this EP is a great way to boost your mood anytime!
Score: 9.5/10
