From the snowy fields to the spring sky

If I were asked to name the 10 albums I would like to take to a desert island, I would have to choose Vashti Bunyan's first and second albums.
I have a vague memory of whether I first listened to their first album, "Just Another Diamond Day," at Sao's house in éclair or at the house of my friend Nanae from university, but I was completely captivated and began listening to the reissued CD version.

In 2005, I never imagined that the "legendary" singer-songwriter, whose first album was traded at high prices in record stores, would release a new album. The unexpected second album "Lookaftering" was impressive, with a fragile singing voice that is almost the same as it was 35 years ago, and a refined sound created through collaboration with young musicians, and I was moved by this ongoing "legend." The songs and sounds are layered delicately like snow falling on a white cloudy winter sky, but I also felt a pure strength that allows her to return to her original intentions at any time, even while carrying her sadness and wounds.

This work was released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of "Lookaftering" and Vashti's 80th birthday. Sides C and D of the two-disc set contain demo recordings and live versions from before the album was produced, and can be enjoyed along with reminiscences by Vashti herself and producer Max Richter.

There are many people who love Vashti, and I don't have much to say about her work, so this time I would like to talk about her artwork.

What's great about this album, especially the LP, is that you can appreciate the paintings by Vashti's daughter Whyn Lewis in 12-inch size. Not only can you see the detailed brushwork of the rabbit's fur, which is the symbol of the album, but you can also enjoy the series of works contained in the booklet with two dogs on the cover like an art book. These are all fascinating works that were not included in the CD (2005) that I have. The intelligent eyes of the animals, who bridge the gap between reality and fantasy, god and man, light and darkness, seem to quietly accompany the vague fear and other untamable emotions within us.

The title has been stripped away from the cover, and the original off-white background has been changed to a pale blue, giving the impression of a rabbit hopping from a winter snowfield into the pale spring sky.
With the kindness and strength to move towards hope even while carrying sadness and resignation.

I'm not sure if I would be able to bring a record player to a desert island, but this album and picture would probably make good talismans.

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Text and photos by Fumika Arasawa designer Freelance ⇄ company employee, occasionally helping friends out. Moved to Matsumoto in 2024. Instagram: @fumika * Click here to purchase related products at rovakk musikk.

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Vashti Bunyan - Lookaftering (Expanded) | 2LP(US), 2025 reissue

Artwork by Whyn Lewis
Format: vinyl, 2LP
Product no: STEP06LPX (Dicristina Stair Builders)
Watch on r ovakk music

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WALLFLOWER CATALOGUE

In each episode, designer Ayaka Arasawa will introduce one of her inspirational artworks, which will blossom on your walls every day.
It will be updated once a month, at the timing of the second solar term (around the 20th of each month).
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