Sen Morimoto grounds their new album in sure-handed gentleness

Sen Morimoto, the versatile Chicago musician known for blending multiple instruments and styles, prepares to unveil their fourth studio album, Time Is on Your Side, on October 23. This latest release marks a subtle evolution in Morimoto’s approach, focusing on a tranquil and deliberate musical atmosphere that contrasts with the more frenetic energy of previous work.

Morimoto’s multi-instrumental talent spans saxophone, guitar, keyboards, and drums, each played with a distinctive restraint that adds a soothing quality to even the most complex compositions. Their 2023 album, Diagnosis, showcased art-rock elements with irregular phrasing and dynamic shifts, yet always maintained a sense of control. Time Is on Your Side further refines this aesthetic, placing greater emphasis on calmness and gentle textures.

The album’s lead single, "Chewing Gum," exemplifies this shift with its hushed R&B vibe, featuring delicately plucked guitars and vocals that hover just above a whisper, evoking a relaxed, almost intimate mood. Morimoto’s vocal delivery here channels a funk influence reminiscent of artists like Thundercat but tailored for a mellow setting.

True to their established creative process, Morimoto performed and sang the majority of the album’s parts. However, they enlisted a select group of trusted collaborators to enrich the sound. Guitar contributions from Elijah Bradford appear on several tracks, while Ryan Person provides drums on approximately half of the album. Additionally, backing vocals and production credits include Morimoto’s fiancé, Kaina Castillo, who is one of three producers alongside Morimoto and Brok Mende, the chief engineer at Friends of Friends Recording.

Time Is on Your Side will be released through Sooper Records, an independent label co-owned by Morimoto that recently marked its tenth anniversary. To support the album, Sen Morimoto will open for electronic duo Sylvan Esso at the Salt Shed in Chicago on October 22, offering fans a chance to experience the new material live. Prior to the official release, listeners can participate in a unique preview event hosted by the Album Runs collective, combining an outdoor run with a group listening session and Q&A with Morimoto.

Beyond Morimoto’s activities, the Chicago music scene continues to be vibrant yet faces challenges. For instance, Interlay, a heavy alt-rock trio rooted in shoegaze and grunge, is set to release a new EP titled Snow Covers Your Insides via Portland’s Pleasure Tapes. Early copies have already nearly sold out, reflecting strong local interest.

In the indie-rock realm, Greg Freeman, who recently relocated to Chicago from Vermont, put out one of the year’s standout records, All Set the Bone. Freeman’s connection to Chicago’s indie scene was solidified by his participation in the Nitro-a-Go-Go festival and upcoming performances including a headline show at Lincoln Hall on October 24.

The scene’s resilience is underscored by the ongoing health struggles of notable veterans. Dean Schlabowske of the Waco Brothers faces serious medical challenges, including leukemia and subsequent heart surgery, while DJ Greg Haus is undergoing recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome. Community efforts are underway to support both artists through fundraising campaigns.

As Chicago’s musical landscape navigates these developments, Sen Morimoto’s Time Is on Your Side emerges as a testament to artistic evolution and collaboration, offering listeners a carefully crafted soundscape that balances complexity with serenity. The album’s launch and related events highlight Morimoto’s role as a dynamic figure within this vibrant creative community.