For all its bits of piercing pop, jaunty folk rock, ringing drones, rumbling art rock and plush ambience, at the core of Yuga’s Kotoba no nai yoru ni [Wordless Nights] are her own particularly anchored, measured performances. Each press of the piano and waver of the voice feels physical to the point that one can’t help but be captured by its nearness. That elevates Kotoba from a competent, diverse and pretty work into one that is engulfing and experiential.

Listen to “WATER” below.