Reviewed: Teru Okada's 'Isolated Sonic Lab' Album

Teru Okada’s latest album, ‘Isolated Sonic Lab,’ is a masterclass in boundary-pushing electronic music. The Hokkaido-based artist has crafted a deeply expressive collection of tracks that seamlessly blend house, jazz, lo-fi, gospel, and techno. This is not an album designed for passive listening - it demands your full attention, rewarding those who take the time to absorb its intricate layers and bold artistic choices.

The album opens with ‘Sakura Hallelujah,’ an immediate standout and the project’s focus track. Euphoric and emotionally charged, it layers housey beats with sweeping piano chords and gospel-inspired vocals, radiating an almost spiritual energy. It’s the kind of track that feels transformative - one that lifts the mood and cleanses the soul in a way only truly inspired music can.

‘Farewell My Moon’ shifts gears completely, embracing a jazzy, lo-fi aesthetic. Warm brass lines weave through gentle keys, backed by smooth grooves that carry a deep sense of nostalgia. It’s a track that feels tailor-made for quiet introspection - rain pattering against a window, a coffee in hand, and a moment of stillness in an otherwise chaotic world. The delicate interplay between its elements shows a level of musicality that goes beyond mere production - it’s storytelling through sound.

‘The Birth of Hope’ introduces the album’s only collaboration, featuring Ray Akaike’s ethereal vocals over a dreamy, floating soundscape. This track feels like a conversation between genres, with delicate rhythms and subtle cultural influences giving it a rich, layered depth. The use of organ work throughout adds a celestial quality, reinforcing the uplifting nature of the piece. The balance between organic instrumentation and electronic textures is particularly striking, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that lingers long after the track fades out.

‘Pipe Dreams’ takes a turn towards the retro, incorporating crisp live drum recordings and celestial organ melodies to create an atmospheric, almost meditative track. There’s a cinematic quality to this one as if it could easily soundtrack a late-night drive through neon-lit city streets. It’s one of those songs that isn’t in a rush to prove anything - it simply exists, fully realised and effortlessly cool. There’s an authenticity to its rawness, a feeling of spontaneity that makes it stand out within the album’s sonic palette.

‘Sparkling Orange Nights’ brings us back to the dancefloor, injecting deep house rhythms with funky guitar licks and striking string arrangements. The peaks and troughs in this track are executed perfectly, creating a sense of movement that keeps things fresh. There’s a playfulness to it, a reminder that electronic music can be both deeply thoughtful and unapologetically fun. It’s a track that could work in both intimate club settings and festival stages, showcasing Okada’s ability to craft something both personal and universally danceable.

On ‘It’s True, It’s You, We’re All Feelin’ Blue,’ Okada channels early Daft Punk vibes, layering quirky arpeggios over vintage synth textures and punchy snare fills. It’s funky, nostalgic, and effortlessly cool, reinforcing the idea that this album isn’t confined to any one genre - it’s a playground for sound, unrestricted by expectations. The way the track develops, with its subtle shifts in tone and texture, keeps it engaging from start to finish.

‘Honesty’ takes a darker, more driving approach, sitting comfortably between house and techno. The rhythmic momentum here is undeniable, making it arguably the most club-ready track on the album. There’s a hypnotic quality to its groove, proving that Okada isn’t just experimenting for the sake of it - he understands exactly how to craft a track that resonates on a deeper level. The bassline alone is enough to pull listeners into its hypnotic spell, while its crisp percussion keeps the energy pulsing forward.

Closing the album, ‘No Room for the Ordinary on This Road’ delivers one final genre-fusing moment. The track blends deep house foundations with soulful instrumentation, bringing to mind the energy of Gregory Porter’s ‘Liquid Spirit’ but with a modern, electronic twist. It’s an immersive, emotional ending that ties together the album’s themes of individuality and artistic exploration. The track’s warm textures and intricate layering give it an almost cinematic feel, making it a perfect closer to a journey that has been anything but predictable.

What makes ‘Isolated Sonic Lab’ so compelling is its refusal to conform. This isn’t just a collection of tracks - it’s a statement. Teru Okada demonstrates a fearless approach to music-making, proving that electronic music can be both deeply personal and universally engaging. There’s a depth to this album that extends beyond just its sound design - it’s the feeling it evokes, the spaces it transports you to, and the sheer creative confidence it exudes.

Every track feels intentional, from the smallest melodic details to the overarching moods that shape the album as a whole. Whether you’re drawn to its jazzier moments, its club-friendly peaks, or its more introspective offerings, one thing is clear: this is an album that refuses to be ordinary. It’s an exhilarating, deeply human piece of work, one that deserves to be played, explored, and revisited time and time again.

Teru Okada

https://www.instagram.com/teruokada123

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4X1WxwQjX3dKSKbm9vg6ej