Hailing from Oklahoma City, Blueprint Tokyo are a five-piece group with a fresh and delightful sound that is exemplified on Neon Circuits and the Mission of Hope, their latest grandiose, 16-cut album, in the shape of driving rhythms and powerful grooves colored with unforgettable melodies and a stunning attention to detail. The gorgeous listen is easy and carefully balanced for its length, and is full to the brim with tight performances and crisply crafted hooks, and a sound that will take you through a journey through the decades.

On the group’s latest release we find a sublime collection of tunes the display the band’s songwriting capabilities as well and their musicianship. With songs loaded with textures and atmosphere, to touching melodies and captivating instrumental cues, on Neon Circuits and the Mission of Hope we find a group that took Coldplay at their most energetic, blended them with The Cars’s penchant for drama, and The Killers’s superb ear for atmospheric song building, and the results are delightful.

From the rocking starter ‘Say Anything’ which borrows a page from Muse’s bombastic flamboyance found on The Resistance, its subdued elegance, percussive synths and emotive, prominent melodies, we know right away that we are in for a treat. ‘Take My Breath’ introduces the Tokyo to Blueprint Tokyo with its fantastic saxophone performance that elevates an already compelling and groove piece of indie rock to a whole new level of atmospheric presence.

The rhythmic menace found on ‘Stranger Things’ is coupled with a superbly written piece of tearjerking melodies and an unmistakable anthemic quality. One of the album’s boldest cuts, ‘Stranger Things’ is a fantastic shapeshifter that sees Blueprint Tokyo throw in a bit of Arcade Fire whimsy to the mix. ‘Stand and Deliver’ is a perfectly touching piece of subdued grace and an amazing pace. Doubling down on what has become a bit of habit for the album having terrific bass lines that beautifully color the lower registers, ‘Stand and Deliver’ is a simply beautiful mid-album cornerstone. ‘Only Hearts’ showcase a gorgeously spacy face to the sound of the band. A song heavy on emotional vocal wails and melancholic descending chord structures, ‘Only Hearts’ is also a rather softly colored cut with ample atmospheres delivered via spacious and stellar synth pads.

‘Transfer’ is the outfit on their scruffiest and hairiest guise throughout the whole album, but not without their graceful hint of atmospheric charisma in the shape of background pads that effortlessly support the song’s multiple overdriven riffs and hard-as-stone drum part. Anthemic rock tendencies continue on the next cut ‘Infused’. A steady and confident pace is delivered by the groovy and intricate beats, the vocals continue to be rowdy and menacing a la Jimmy Eat World with songwriting that is as touching, compelling, and easygoing as it has been since the start of the album. The album’s penultimate cut ‘Take Me Anyplace’ is the most “The Cars” this album ever gets. The stirring synth riffs and chirpy pace is as 80s as it gets. A wonderful piece of decade-hopping indie pop with an unforgettable charm.

‘Sailor Girl’ bookends this lengthy and explosive listen with one more sweet appearance from the stunning saxophone while continuing to deliver on the album’s promise of exciting songs that inspire and deliver hope. The album’s words have consistently been as touching as its musical ideas with lines that speak of resilience against hardships and of our innate ability to find hope in the grimmest of situations, giving us ultimately an album that is thoroughly uplifting throughout its rather consistent runtime of enjoyable songs. Blueprint Tokyo display stellar focus to a sonic fingerprint that becomes apparent and distinct early on in the listen, staying throughout and giving the album an enjoyable sense of cohesion. 

1. “Lost in Reverie”

Structure: This track opens the EP with a dreamy, almost mesmerizing tone. The tune moves with subdued tempo shifts to provide a powerful but harmonic flow.

“Lost in Reverie”, which reminds me of MGMT’s early work, strikes a sad yet optimistic note.

The delicate, contemplative voices capture a feeling of desire and reflection. Reverb layers the artist’s voice, therefore accentuating the song’s surreal character.

A lush, layered background is created by combining electronic synthesizers with real elements including a soft percussion and a delicate guitar riff. Analog synthesizers give the music a retro-quality fit for the sentimental subjects.

The songs probe ideas of escape and contemplation, guiding the listener into a realm where fantasy mixes with reality. Emphasizing the ethereal atmosphere of the tune, lines like “Drifting through the echoes of time, lost in a reverie of our design”

2. “Dancing in the Moonlight”

This track is the most danceable one on the EP in my opinion. The song is structured around an appealing chorus acting as the hook.

The contagious vitality of the song reminds me of indie pop groups like Foster the People and Two Door Cinema Club. The friendly environment is created by the lively rhythm and fun songs.

The vocals, brilliantly and attractively capture the casual spirit of the song, Layers of harmonies abound throughout the chorus, lending richness and depth.

Instruments include aggressive basslines, rhythmic guitar rhythms, and vivid synth leads. The constant pulse of the drum machine maintains the track’s intensity, while the sporadic live drums provide a human touch.

With lyrics that vividly depict night-time excursions and carefree experiences, “Dancing in the Moonlight” honors freedom and pleasure. It’s an immediate earworm from the catchy, repetitious chorus.

3. “Neon Dreams”.

This song evokes M83’s and The Postal Service’s synth-driven sounds. Its ambient sound produces an immersive listening experience that is both personal and large.

Emotional and haunting, the vocals fit the contemplative character of the song well. Pitch-shifting and delay provide a layer of depth with little effect.

Luscious synth pads and shimmering electronic components predominate on the tune, producing a soundscape that seems both current and classic. A basic approach to percussion lets the synthesizers front stage.

With moving words like “Chasing neon dreams through the city lights, where shadows dance in the night,” “Neon Dreams” explores lyrical themes of ambition and the search for dreams.

4. “Midnight Echo”

This track generates a moody and introspective environment. Its construction allows for dramatic changes with crescendos building tension and releasing it.

“Midnight Echoes” has parallels with musicians like Lana Del Rey and Phantogram, who shine in producing gloomy, ambient music with a little melancholic touch.

Soulful and haunting, the voices communicate a feeling of vulnerability and contemplation. Using vocal harmonies sharpens the emotional depth of the music.

Rich soundscape results from a mix of acoustic and electronic parts. The guitar and piano provide a sad basis; synth textures and subdued percussion give an otherworldly air.

With words like “Whispers of midnight echoes linger in the air, shadows of memories we used to share,” the song’s lyrics probe ideas of introspection and yearning.

5. “Fading Stars”

Closing the EP on a reflective note, “Fading Stars” moves at a slower pace. The way the song is written lets a slow build-up result in a strong and expressive conclusion.

Inspired by an emotionally poignant feel with complex arrangements, this song relies on

The honest, personal voices reflect thoughtfulness and sensitivity by themselves. Laying harmonies gives depth and emotional weight.

Acoustic guitar, ambient synthesizers, and subdued percussion all are delicately balanced in “Fading Stars”. The instrumentation develops across the tune into a strong and emotional crescendo.

With moving lines like “Fading stars in the night sky, echoes of a past that’s slipping by,” the lyrics examine ideas of impermanence and the passage of time. 

The EP is deftly created with great attention to detail in the mixing and mastering techniques. The sound design is immersive, balancing acoustic and electronic components. While still letting every song stand out on its own, every track is painstakingly created to provide a harmonic listening experience. Reverb and delay effects provide dimension and depth, therefore improving the EP’s whole ambiance.

The EP’s flawless blending of rock and techno components is among its strongest points. The musician deftly combines various styles to produce an inventive yet recognizable sound. While the addition of real instruments including guitar and drums adds warmth and authenticity, the usage of electronic synthesizers and soundscapes gives a contemporary edge. The rich and powerful sound produced by this blending of genres is fascinating and unforgettable.

All things considered, Blueprint Tokyo‘s EP is an engaging collection of tracks highlighting the artist’s mix of electronic components and indie rock. Long after the music ends, the EP provides an engaging listening experience with its vivid soundscapes, contemplative words, and forceful compositions. There is something here for everyone to appreciate whether your taste in music is techno or indie rock. This EP suggests even more amazing things to come in the artist’s artistic path, therefore signifying a hopeful turn ahead for them. 

Hailing from Oklahoma City, US the alternative rock band “Blueprint Tokyo” release a new EP titled “Cinema Sounds” consisting of three dreamy inspiring tracks.

The record kicks off with a mono electro melody sound in the intro of “Say Anything” with a reverb filling it out with the high note vocals from Kevin Dawson along with some dreamy guitar licks along with some impressive synths by Andy Hale, who excels in the second track titled “LaRusso” which sounds like the 90’s Pop/Rock tracks thanks to the synths.

A mixture between electronic retro sounds and emotional nostalgia that makes you want to identify where you’ve heard this track. Kevin and Andy form a great fusion of moods and vibes; of course of instruments too, producing a load of emotions and soul-touching experience.

“Cinema Sounds” took me to different places and different sounds, it took me to Harry Styles and The Weeknd. It’s not that it’s the same in sound but they have almost the same nostalgic vibe and emotional presence.

“Blueprint Tokyo” used the experiences of their recording engineering and grammy nominee Travis Ference, maybe that’s why their music matches the hits in terms of sound, vibe and quality.

Kevin Dawson and Andrew Hale, from Oklahoma City, make up the duo known as Cinema Sounds. They offer a rich and cinematic Indie Rock/Pop sonic landscape built with raw emotions, relatable themes, hope amidst dark sense, and killer musicianship.   

“Cinema Sounds” is their most recent EP, which right from the first listen felt like I was listening to my favorite band, although this is my first time ever hearing Blueprint Tokyo. There’s this intensity that makes them feel familiar and appealing, as if they’re your close-to-heart 90’s band coming to present-day. Each element has a retro vibe, yet it’s futuristic, and it’s all atmospheric and fits any part of the day. While the three singles have distinct characters, they all create a dreamy realm as they last that is filled with melodic cadences.

The duo offers the ideal, enticing teaser by releasing the opening track, “Say Anything,” ahead of the EP. The song serves as a great introduction to their music, which is dark with rays of sunshine. All of the elements somehow feel like the Yin-Yang, as they deliver both cold dreadfulness and warm hope. It’s a synth-driven track, and that’s what gives it its colorful vibe the best. The entire instrumentation, with its dynamic drumming and catchy riffs, resonates with one’s ears and heart, while the dual vocals overlap and perform passionately in a symphonic manner with a sorrowful tone to penetrate the mind’s thoughts.

With a brighter intro, we move to “LaRusso” and its nostalgic atmosphere. Everything in the song provokes one’s memories and stirs them, resulting in a bittersweet mood. The vocal delivery is passionate and feels like an anthemic narrative to a sweet story that left a wound. The lyrics convey the complexity, and the musical composition brings it to life. The synth sounds both classic and contemporary, while the chords and drum line sound rebellious and yearning.

Ending the EP with the headbanger “Sailor Girl,” which has an edgy and wild flavor that makes you add it to your hyper playlist instantly. The lyrics are simple yet insanely infectious. There’s a wind instrument giving a jazzy vibe to the rocking sound that leaves you feeling like you just drove at the max speed and having a lusty adrenaline rush. The echoed vocals are such a vibe and lure you into singing along and having an actual hope for a miracle.

There’s an emotional aftertaste to this EP that’s not easy to describe; it just needs to be felt while hearing it. It’s a mixture of diving into the past and looking for the future, longing and moving on, overthinking and just going with the flow, all produced by a dope rock/pop hybrid at its finest that gets you addicted to Blueprint Tokyo and their polished, human-representing songwriting and fiery delivery.

Blueprint Tokyo is the independent rock duo Andy and Kevin from Oklahoma, USA, and with “Say Anything” they resume their musical journey with stories to tell.

Kevin’s pathological experience of contracting a degenerative bone disease that forced him to stop and then recover was a powerful impetus for the pair to instill hope and banish fear from our spirits, at times when we all need what they come up with.

Their new song “Say Anything” carries some of their messages, because the world is full of darkness in every corner of it. We see fear walking with people and embodied in movies, but with the energy of this couple and strong indie rock, we’ll figure out our way to escape from it all and find ourselves a haven, get out of the dark, break our silence and say anything to prove we’re not afraid of anything.

In “Say Anything”, the duo launched a wave of powerful rock music formats that combine more traditional sounds with synths and a new wave. Guitar and drums were among the most important of these sounds. Their intensity and intensity were very expressive with the painful singing that reflects the state of rebellion, and sharp bears a strong cry for fearlessness. The emotion here binds the heavy elements in the path to each other to perform the desired purpose.

There is hope distributed between musical and poetic sentences that makes “say anything” vital despite the darkness and fear that the words carry.

Blueprint Tokyo editions are real and bring out all the good in us. And their music is wonderful and full of emotions that make you believe in a better future so listen to them.