AIM 2024 Judge Review
The sound design and melodies in this piece are impeccable. I love the mix of western classic instruments with the koto and for the most part; these work well together. The tones in those instruments playing and supporting that beautiful, flowing melody effectively set the scene of returning home from a long journey - at least, that's how I interpret the "Journey's End" title to be. My favourite instrument in this track is the flute at the beginning; I love the use of the tongue sounds and vibrato on those long held notes. It just has a very "human"-like feeling that elevates the emotion when it plays the melody. There's a constant serene and satisfying emotion that is strongly evoked throughout, which is what makes it so replayable for me.
Admittedly, the first time I listened to this track, I found it to be underwhelming just because that melody has so much of a forward motion to it that it feels like it should lead into something more than the actual development of the track suggests. Upon multiple listens, I found it did not really bother me as much, though I do think it would be interesting to hear how this melody would sound if the track did build up to something more climactic. And while I do love the melody - especially when the flute plays it - I would have liked to hear it played with a better sense of phrasing and rubato in the piece as a whole. The melody specifically feels quite evenly paced and I think this entry would have benefitted from having some moments where the composition doesn't play out like clockwork. Fortunately, the sound design and textures save it from feeling too robotic, but I think the piece is missing just that little extra touch to really drive that sense of respite home.
Aside from the flute at the beginning, my favourite section of this piece was 1:49 to 2:19. I just love the way the piano and koto melodies are complemented with those flowing, smooth-motion strings in the lower layers. That part where the strings hit those upper octaves at 2:10 is the chef's kiss. I don't think I replayed an entry just because I wanted to more in this year's AIM than this one.