Tomonori’s new single Lantern is a glowing fusion of artistry and introspection — a piece that feels both otherworldly and deeply human. From the very first beat, the track radiates a kind of sonic phosphorescence: gentle Afropop rhythms pulse beneath shimmering indie-pop textures, while sleek electronic layers illuminate the space like floating light through water.
Co-produced with platinum-selling French producer YDTHXGRT, Lantern balances technical sophistication with emotional fragility. The production feels alive — organic percussion meets synthetic soundscapes, creating an ebb and flow that mirrors the song’s lyrical imagery of being submerged, tethered, and luminous all at once. Tomonori’s vocals glide effortlessly between tenderness and curiosity, evoking influences like St. Vincent, James Blake, and Björk while maintaining a distinct identity. The lyrics — “Light as a lantern / With all spontaneity” — speak to resilience and awareness, hinting at the act of finding grace in disorientation.
At its heart, Lantern is a meditation on consciousness and renewal, delivered through the lens of avant-pop innovation. It’s accessible yet abstract, intimate yet cinematic — a sound that could comfortably live on playlists beside Bonobo, Arlo Parks, or Little Dragon. Tomonori continues to prove that his blend of art-rock experimentation and pop precision can be both thought-provoking and irresistibly listenable. Lantern doesn’t just shine — it guides.
