Indie/J-Pop: Eri Sasaki - Comma (2024)

78 / 100

Comma is a warmer, more intimate Eri Sasaki album that trades modern polish for acoustic sincerity.

After releasing the more modern-sounding Colon, Eri Sasaki finally returns with a simpler, acoustic-leaning pop approach—like sitting near a fireplace in winter 2024—through her third album, Comma.

Unlike the previous two albums that featured Eri Sasaki herself on the cover in her signature Polaroid style, Comma instead shows a dog staring into a blank pallid white background. Strangely enough, it feels emotional at a glance and truly represents the album’s content.

The indie-styled acoustic guitar sound finds its place here, especially after getting used to “Fuyubiyori” and “Haru no Tonari” as ending themes for Yuru Camp, which were later supported by post-rock/ambient influences over the years. Because of this, Comma sinks in more deeply than Colon. The most pop-oriented and contrasting track—and my weakest pick—is “Dramatic.” Other pop moments that feel calmer and more emotionally restrained in their instrumentation appear in “Conscious.”

The mixed Japanese-English singing style—something I actually hesitate to mention or compare—still showcases Eri Sasaki’s ability, particularly in the full alternative opening version, “Snowflakes (English),” which turns out not to be disappointing. Meanwhile, more energetic and prominent acoustic guitar pickings can be found in “Twin Ray” and “Oyasumikujira.”

At first listen, I was impressed by “Loch to Tabibito” and “Mimosa.” However, after replaying the album in full for this review, the overall impression feels slightly bland, even though there’s a small whisper urging me to cry. Still, that doesn’t mean I can’t judge its quality. As stated before, Comma clearly sits above Colon and, under certain conditions, might even take the top spot from Period. 

Ah… this is the kind of release that makes me want to “pirate” it just to keep it close.