Never failing to be imaginative, AmPm approached their debut album, Traveling Without Moving, in quite a unique way. The masked Japanese electronic duo crafted sixteen tracks which they grouped into four batches. Each batch consists of 4 songs: an interlude plus 3 tracks which together encapsulate the distinct vibe of a city. The result is that the listener gets transported — albeit virtually — from Tokyo to New York, via Jakarta and Amsterdam.

“Traveling is an integral part of our lives, and we have drawn inspiration from our own journeys,” AmPm say. The album was created to evoke the spirit of adventure, with the songs capturing different emotions and memories.

AmPm add: “This album serves as a window into our personal stories, inviting listeners to experience the diverse emotions associated with traveling. Each city represented in the album holds significance to us, whether it be Tokyo, Jakarta, Amsterdam, or New York City. We wanted to create a musical narrative that captures the essence of these cities and the unique feelings they evoke.”

Out via Avex Entertainment, Traveling Without Moving saw the outfit tap a host of talented artists: ten vocalists and a producer called Shigge. AmPm’s production incorporates different styles and sounds, with house and electro pop forming the core.

Starting the album off, of course, is the Tokyo batch — AmPm are themselves based out of this huge metropolis. After the instrumental interlude, you get “Tokyo On My Mind” (with singer Nathan Hartono). With its euphoric melodies and silky vocals, the song shows the artists’ love for the city.

“Streets of Tokyo” offers glimpses of the city’s fun/nightlife scene. Michael Kaneko‘s smooth delivery will have you singing along. Completing the ‘Tokyo group of songs’ is the MoMo-assisted and super-engaging “Fall Back”. This one brims with retro and nostalgic vibes.

Welcoming us to Jakarta is the chill, atmospheric interlude which is followed by “Wake Up”, a house tune featuring Lilly Ahlberg. The club-ready track can be equated to a dopamine injection. And then there’s “Haven” which is characterized by a heavy synth bassline and emotional vocals from Hana Hope. Rounding up the Jakarta mood is the seductive “Holding You Back”. This dance-pop banger is a collaboration with Kenya Fujita.

Amsterdam is represented by lively tracks with engaging uptempo beats. These songs are designed to make you dance. This is especially true with the interlude and “Cinnamon Chai”. The other two tracks feature vocals from RANNE and SHIMA and carry enthralling melodies. “Sweet Escape” has a romantic feel while “Amsterdam Maybe” bears a fetching groove.

In capturing the New York City essence, AmPm were supported by producer Shigge (on “Interlude – New York City” and “Stranger Things”). For “Good Life” and “West Side”, they turned to singers mimiko and Belle Humble, respectively, whose vocals augment the alluring vibe.

With Traveling Without Moving, AmPm have served up a refreshing project. It comes seven years after the release of their debut single. Not only does the LP capture their style, but it also shows their growth.

They remark: “We have created a work that can give an individually unique experience to our listeners. We also wanted to fully express house music, which is at the core of our sound. It’s a very original sound; a sense of pop, but also with speed and exuberance, with house music at the heart of it. This album is a signature of what AmPm are, and we’re proud to say that we’ve made a house music album that represents the year 2023.”

As you listen to Traveling Without Moving, follow the enigmatic duo on Instagram.

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