#project 617

[ravi-617]

long overdue fan art for my favorite band of all time ❣️ lulila lilula !!

[unscapedgoat]

i did this to me

[jailaster]

Song Review 3: Utopiosphere by Mili

As what may be their oddest song on the surface, Utopiosphere actually elaborates on a key issue in a timely manner after A Turtle's Heart and Nine Point Eight - that is, what's Mag Mell like? Utopiosphere provides us a window into understanding Mili's interpretation of heaven looks like. This song is a clarification, a continuation. This song also presented me with my greatest challenge yet in this project of mine. But the reward was more than worth it, and I hope you'll see it that way, too. Allow me to walk you through my interpretation, analysis, and review on this little understood song.

Song Analysis

This song is very, very unique in its story and approach to telling it. The story? It picks up right where A Turtle's Heart and Nine Point Eight left off. I don't believe that the lead is the protagonist from either song but is rather just another average person who died. Our lead in this song was deemed fit to join Mag Mell and so off goes their spirit to join the ranks of the happily deceased. However, before they're allowed into the heart of Mag Mell where everyone else is, one must be put through a purification ritual to rid the body and spirit of evil and severe negative emotions. Through this procedure, purity of mind and body in ensured while allowing one to maintain the emotional dynamics that is the hallmark of humanity. At best, this procedure uncomfortable. And at worst, it's hell.

Step through the gate into utopia Sink into a world of melodia

The song begins with our lead at the gates of Mag Mell in a lobby or processing area of sorts. And our first taste of Mag Mell is provided here, too. A world of melodia? Mag Mell is indeed a utopia, although the role of music is unclear. It might be the primary form of communication, it might simply be heavily valued, or it might just be alluding to the ongoing festivities and parties of a world without evil. Whatever it may be, Mag Mell is the place to be.

Black lace euphoberia hurries away (La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la) Tiny legs leaves behind a track of cardioid (La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la-la)

What is euphoberia? It's an extinct type of centipede and was estimated to have lived over 300 million years ago. So, what's it doing here? Black lace and euphoberia. Black lace is traditional Western funeral attire while centipedes and maggots permeate the decomposing body. It appears that the spirits of the recently deceased get to keep their bodies in their new life. These things are fleeing the body because the angels - the guardians of Mag Mell are beginning purification of this person's mind and body, beginning with the physical portion. And so, the remnants of this person's presence on Earth - the funeral attire and centipedes/maggots - are leaving them. This process is being driven by the guardians as heard by their humming and singing in the background. And as the centipedes leave their body, they trace the path of a cardioid. Why a cardioid? It is an enclosed shape and traces out a deformed heart that starts and stops at the same place. There are two meaning being conveyed with this one object. One possibility is that the cardioid traces out our perception of time quite well. Our time in the beginning, our childhood goes by rather quickly. Then, our perception of time levels and becomes more regular in the young adult and midlife phases. Finally, it accelerates once again near the time of death as we become painfully aware both of our mortality and of how little time we have left. The other possibility becomes clearer in the next verse.

Twisted creation Phosphorescent apparition Heart disorientation Bemusement

This verse is commentary from the guardians. They note how twisted the cardioid traced before them is. Twisted both in shape and color, that is. I suspect the cardioid is intertwined with various colors, bright and dark, as a visual representation of what was contained in the deceased's soul. If this person is indeed your average Joe/Jane, then it is a realistic commentary on how humanity is stained by such evil persons and ideology. Or perhaps the shape traced out by the euphoberia is unique to each person? That's a very interesting idea to consider further. I'll keep with the idea that the shape is reflective of humanity, however, that is reinforcing the idea given by the colorful cardioid. A phosphorescent apparition. I believe this is the angelic figure featured in the official art. More precisely, it is our lead's soul being separated from the body for the purpose of allowing them to observe the process while their body undergoes purification. These last two lines are the guardians observing the reactions of our lead. Their reaction is one of unease and puzzlement. At their situation, yes, but mostly at just how much anger, envy, bitterness, resides in them. Since they're being admitted to Mag Mell, they must have been a truly good person at heart. But even the best of us have a measure of darkness deep inside. Perhaps more than we'd like to admit.

Merry go 'round and around Misery go 'round and around Quandary go 'round and around Merry go 'round and around

This verse is interesting. Each voice here is distinct, meaning there is at least four guardians participating in this purification procedure. And each one of them is helping move the different colors - the different emotions, positive and negative, around the cardioid. Perhaps this is social commentary, too, about how we are emotional beings, and that fact permeates throughout the lifespan. That we cycle between forms of merry and misery throughout the day and our whole lives. This part of the process is the purification of mind and soul, more details to follow in the next verse.

Tick-tock Time doesn't stop Prepare your doubts, eat them up Quaff down the pus of thoughts Red sand flows out Sweet mouth

Perhaps this procedure is dangerous or uncomfortable as the guardians are insistent on moving through and completing it as soon as possible as indicated by the first two lines. A lesser possibility is that they're eager to move our lead into Mag Mell to join the others, but I suspect this isn't the case because the guardians seem to be aged, matured, and forthright. Now, the purification of mind and soul is complete. The guardians urge our lead to eat and drink to reacquire the emotions that makes them human. They gain both doubt and cognizance, assumingly along with the rest of their emotions. Save for the darkest ones, of course. And now too is the cleansing of their body complete with the expulsion of the red sand. The sand is keeping in theme with the passage of time set by the clock and red representing physical artifacts of "evil" leaving the body. More on the theme of time later in this review. As a last note for this verse, the baby's cry after the third line is interesting. I think it serves two purposes. The cry itself perhaps reinforces the idea that the procedure is uncomfortable or harmful. This cry being from a baby might also serve the idea that this is a new beginning, literally a new life for our lead.

The sky is painted in lunacia Florets slashed open the vein of tears Misfortuna There is no escape, my dear

With the purification process complete, our lead is now welcome to join the others in Mag Mell. The sky, previously dull, now shows a cacophony of colors just like those seen in the official art. Lunacia sounds like lunacy. But here I take lunacy to mean crazy in the sense that the color show put before our lead is a wild display of color and motion. Here we get just a hint of the colorful, beautiful land that Mag Mell truly is. And with the sight presented before them, our lead sobs in glee and gratitude as they get to live in this stunning utopian paradise. As for the last two lines of this verse… I can only assume Misfortuna is the name of our lead. Perhaps this is our lead's new name or nickname, acquired from a summary of the deceased's life. In this case, misfortunate might be the adjective used to describe humanity on Earth from the perspective of Mag Mell and its inhabitants. Misfortunate in its setbacks from plagues, natural disasters, terrorism. For the last line, it is a reminder from the guardians that this is the new life for our lead and there is no returning to Earth. Although, the way that the lyric is given, "there is no escape", seems to contradict the idea that they are supportive in nature. Perhaps the guardians are a bit out of touch with the nuances of conversation and culture after having been removed from humanity for what I assume is a very long time. It might even be the case that they have never been a part of humanity and that these guardians are the founders of Mag Mell. Are they gods, perhaps? A very interesting idea to ponder further.

The world undergoes photosynthesia Transform endless anger to ecstasia Connect your nerves to the system of philosophiofantasia

Finally, with our lead ready to join the others in Mag Mell, the gates open. Under the light provided by these guardians this antechamber transforms and begins to disappear. This second line opens up a lot of possibilities. Perhaps since people are allowed to maintain the emotions, thoughts, and consciousness that makes us human, they're also provided a way to transform those severely negative emotions into positive ones? Perhaps that is truly what makes Mag Mell a utopia. Now, with their new mind, body, soul, and tools, our lead is given admittance to Mili's version of heaven. Describing Mag Mell as a system of philosophiofantasia adds complexity and even further depth to describing what this space is like. Perhaps it is a land of science and fantasy sort of in the way that Earth is. Or it might be whatever the newly admitted want it to be, the land transforming to meet their desires. Or there might be separate spaces in Mag Mell which people can travel to in order to get the desired experiences. So many possibilities!

Song Review and Rating

Wow. Just wow. I've, of course, come to love this song! It's actually incredible how much is packed in this small two-minute song. So much insight into Mag Mell was gained here alone. Where the first two songs left us hanging in regard to what happens after their deaths, this picks up right off. I love it. This was by far my greatest challenge yet in this passion project of mine. I've spent extra time crafting this story and analysis and I couldn't do it alone! So, thank you, @rainachain! I had most of the story and analysis sketched out by the time I realized I needed to ask for help, but she was still crucial in giving me confidence in my work and certifying that my ideas and themes were both grounded and fair. Below you'll find some final analysis and commentary on this song that didn't quite fit in with analyzing lyric by lyric.

I've considered the possibility that our lead in this song is the same lead from Nine Point Eight, but it doesn't quite work. Her new name being Misfortuna would certainly work, though! And while the euphoberia and florets would certainly fit, the black lace doesn't seem to. I can't figure that she was wearing black lace at the time of death, so that's the one caveat with that theory. Anyway, I think it is more fitting that our lead here was your average Joe/Jane so that the cardioid and commentary provided by the guardians is reflective of humanity as a whole rather than of one individual.

On the theme of time, perhaps the clock and the passage of time is integral along with the cardioid because history, emotions, and conflicts as a whole often is circular and repetitive. However, even though these hallmarks of humanity are often repeated throughout each generation, it's slightly different each time. And that's why we get a cardioid instead of a heart. Same pattern, different shape! Quite poetic, really.

A minor note: enough lyrics in this song end in the letter "a", enough to mean something. I think it's a small but interesting addition to the song that reinforces the idea that both Mag Mell is a place where music is highly valued, and that this purification process is being driven by the singing of the gods/guardians.

As a last piece of commentary on the story of the song, I suspect Utopiosphere is not Mag Mell itself but is rather the antechamber that I described our lead being in. I think Utopiosphere is another space crafted by these guardians/gods as a processing area for the newly admitted where the evil is expelled from mind, body, and soul. The area seems to be absolved soon before and definitely after our lead is actually in Mag Mell. This idea is not significant to the story, but it does seem to add to the idea that these guardians are gods of sorts, perhaps the founders of Mag Mell themselves. Maybe it is they who decide who gets in? An idea worth thinking about.

I rate this highly potent song an extremely well deserved 9/10

Author's Note

Thank you, thank you for reading all of this! As I said, this is only song number three, but it was still a very difficult challenge in crafting a plausible story. I expect to face a similar level of difficulty in the future, though! And perhaps even in this album with "Witch's Invitation". This song has strengthened me, however, and I'm ready to face whatever challenges I will encounter.

Truthfully, I wasn't happy with last week's analysis. I could blame the song for not giving me much to work with, but I still could have told a better story. This week, however, I'm elated! It's certainly not perfect in both storytelling and analysis, there are inconsistencies, but it's still coherent enough to make sense and be defensible.

Anyway! I again thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading and liking these analyses. It means the world to me. This Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for my followers, readers, and new friends I've made along the way thus far. I hope you all are enjoying the holiday season with your friends and family! And I will see you all next Friday!

Jailaster

[unscapedgoat]

An exerpt from Dear Mili, for my favourite band, Project Mili

Happy 6/17 everyone!! even if it's already not 6/17 in Japan (cries) and I'm not in Pyrkon to witness the beauty of Children in the City live (CRIES)

[jailaster]

About Mili

Mili is the first band's music I will be reviewing. They were the first band to have significant impact and meaning in my life for very good reasons. Their official name is "Project Mili", which begs the question: what is their goal?

Simply, I believe their goal is to explore what it means to be human. What it means to love, lose, hope, believe, hate, and live in both historical and modern society. What makes this project particularly wonderful is that it explores these larger-than-life concepts through the medium of music. This also results in insights into the smaller but relatable details of life that we can all connect with. 

Mili's songs are reflective of real life: they're a combination of joy and despair, happiness and sadness. They have a few straightforward happy and sad songs, much like how there are peaks and valleys in the journey of life. Most are a combination of the two moods, often through a gleeful melody and melancholic lyrics.

Mili is defined to be a post-classical band which is highly fitting. As seen in their first album, Mag Mell, Mili has roots in classical and have used that expertise in subsequent songs and albums to produce magnificent instrumentals. Their piano work in particular is always something to be marveled at. The eventually move on from their classical roots but it can still be seen occasionally in some of their latest songs.

Their songs are extremely deliberate. As with all music, of course, but they are deliberate in that they work towards building the theme and message that they want to convey. Their primary concern is the message, first and foremost. This is clear because in some of their songs the lyrics will either be rushed or will substitute a correct word for a simpler, shorter version of the word to make it fit with the instrumentals or time score. This is done with the compromise of grammatical accuracy, but it does not hinder the music by any meas. While this at first sounds counterintuitive, it makes sense when you consider that they do it for the purpose of keeping the message and theme within the flow and measure of the song. 

The sincerity and passion of this project is abundantly clear. Cassie Wei, the vocalist for the group, always gives it her all. For every single song, she puts in the work and the emotion to convey a message but also to demonstrate their seriousness to achieve their goals.

When they’re not working on their main albums, Mili is doing collaborations with other artists and commissions for video games and anime. They also have a few mini albums that are experimental and are unique, even by their standards. Their work in these collaborations and video games (in particular, Deemo, a mobile rhythm game) have earned them a small but dedicated following. They certainly deserve a larger fanbase for their work and more fanart for their lore and themes they spread.

This is Mili.

This is Project 617.

[jailaster]

Song Review 4: Friction by Mili

After Utopiosphere established what happens to the worthy dead, Mili returns to investigating the human experience back on Earth with Friction. In this song, we come face to face with some of those emotions and conflicts that are the hallmark of human nature and human entertainment. And, as their first instrumental song, Mili has an opportunity to prove their expertise in storytelling via a new method. Follow me as I tell two short stories that I was able to glean from this song alone.

Song Analysis

While these two short stories are similar in theme, they differ in experience and both will be analyzed below. The very first sound heard (0:00 - 0:02) is a winding or warming up of some sorts. I suspect it's from an old film reel or a retro camera. Either way, the story transpiring through an older medium, suggesting that the conflict seen in this song (and conflict in general) permeates human history. See the "Song Review" section for a discussion about why the choice to have this song be instrumental is important.

Story One: There's No Undo and There's No Repeat

In this possible storyline, this conflict is between two people in a long-term relationship. The nature of it may be romantic, familial, or between friends. I see no reason to prefer one over the other, this experience is almost certainly left open to be generalizable to all of humanity. Immediately after the film reel (0:02 - 0:32), we're thrown into an environment that gives a feeling of dampness and darkness with a cold piano and a snare drum. The higher pitched notes are seemingly just thrown outward, being played by an uncaring, indifferent hand. This could indicate that the relationship of these two are dilapidated. At this point, they're just going through the motions of interacting with each other, following whatever routine tasks or interactions they follow. The lower pitched notes are more sinister, however. They give the feeling of malice and dark undertones that are weaved either into their interactions or the feelings they harbor for each other. Either way, there is a conflict brewing that is a long time coming between these two.

The winding up in the next section (0:32 - 0:39) indicates a fight is coming. Compared to the final battle that comes later in the song, however, this one is smaller. Perhaps it is small but frequent fights such as this that plague this relationship. The lighter notes of the piano come faster and the deeper notes are stuck harder and more frequently. The increased complexity of the piano here speaks to me to the unwinding of the underlying tension that resulting in higher stakes as grievances are expressed to the other. What's really interesting to me here is the introduction of the strings (is it a violin?) near the end of this sequence. It's low, drawn out, and very foreboding, speaking to a further darkening of the mood. But it might also indicate a quivering in the resolution of both people. Maybe it is painful for them to fight because they love and care for each other.

The skirmish begins (0:39 - 1:01) and we get a whirlwind from the piano and our first and only vocalizations. What really strikes me here is the measured chaos that we see. The piano is a fanciful whirl with some sparks (the occasional notes higher than the rest [or is it a triangle?]), yes, but it's also precise and defined. What this and the vocals indicate is that these fights are experienced frequently - they are experts at it. These two know exactly what to say to hurt each other and they bite out those words to each other. I'll also note that the tone of the piano here is much warmer is more lively compared to the beginning, perhaps telling of the passion that these two have. Whether that passion is for each other or is for a love of fighting is unclear.

Having said their sharp words, the fight concludes and both take a breath to calm themselves (1:01 - 1:23) and for a small moment, there is peace and happiness for our pair. All is well. At the 1:16 mark, however, the piano walks us down a staircase that is reflective of the quick descent in mood for these two. The peace was short lived and they again feel the underlying tension and reasons for fighting that likely wasn't resolved. The mood now (1:23 -  1:53) is a depressed one, indicated by the low and long strings with piano sprinkled throughout. At this time, the couple is trying to figure out the reason for their conflicts and seeks to resolve them. This section is particularly spicy because of the lead up and connectivity provided by the piano. I attribute the piano notes that are intermittent throughout to be points brought up by each person. Points here meaning reasons as to why they fight. And at first, they're valid reasons why they might fight - objective reasons such as outside influences.

But from 1:53 to 2:04, the piano converges and the strings give way. The reasons for fighting are directed towards each other, the other person being blamed for their innumerable flaws and faults. The piano also climbs in pitch, the tension is growing higher and higher. While I can't identify how certain sounds starting at 1:57 are created, these sounds seem like a deep grating and lasers being shot. The tension and hatred between these two has grown higher than ever and they're at a breaking point. And from 2:04 to 2:18, all hell breaks loose. Their largest and worst fight transpires and they're desperately trying one last time to make themselves heard while talking over the other. This section is marked by a sudden drop of the piano's hurricane as one person finally says something that makes the other pause. They've gone too far this time. There is no reconciliation or resolution for them.

The final section (2:18 - 2:40) provides interesting insight. The groups of trio notes speak to me of one broken heart trying to reach out to another in the final attempt to reconcile while the strings tell of a deep sorrow going through both of them. For one, it is regret for saying something irreversible. For the other, it is unbounded pain in their heart. And for both, it is a sadness. They know that this was the last straw and that they are finished. And we've returned to the damp and dark feeling of the beginning of the song. This time, the feeling is indicative of bitterness. As a last note, the lack of a snare drum here compared to the initial section was interesting. I believe it is because however messed up their relationship was, they both contributed to their relationship. Now, with one of them gone, their contribution is missing and the other is left all on their own.

Story Two: Misfortuna, There is No Escape

In this alternative story, the conflict is between two strangers that are experienced in combat and meet in an unfortunate situation. While this story isn't quite as generalizable, the message still is. Taken this way, the damp and dark feeling given by 0:02 to 0:32 is a grim loneliness. Whoever our lead is, they begin alone and are bitter about it. The higher pitched piano notes indicate a begrudging compliance with whatever mission compels them to keep moving. This mission could be a mandate administered by their beliefs and/or paranoia. I suspect that our lead is a very paranoid person, always suspecting someone is after them. The deeper intermittent notes, then, speak to the darkness of our lead's mood. Because of their paranoia, they're alone and they don't trust a single person. And they hate feeling like that. Additionally, they're always on the move because they don't trust anyone to hide their location and they fear capture. The snare drum could indicate that they indeed have a follower, as will be expanded upon in the next section.

For once, their paranoia is founded as someone - perhaps an adventurer - calls out to our lead to ask for identification and reason for travel as depicted by the sudden change from 0:32 to 0:39. The quickening of the higher notes show our lead noticing the other and then running with the adventurer following closely behind. On the other hand, the lower notes coming harder and more frequently allows us to see the fear and nerves of our lead become increasingly high. The strings here can be taken as a feeling of uncertainty, a nauseous tone as they realize there is no running. The adventurer catches up and there is no more room for fear or uncertainty as the skirmish begins at 0:39. Again, the fervor from the piano is unruly yet measured. These two are experienced fighters and they hold their own. The fight continues until 1:01, but as they realize they are equally skilled, they begin talking to try and figure the other out in ideology. These come out as sharp grunts both because they're still fighting and because they've no reason yet to like each other.

Those feelings remain until the section starting at 1:01. It appears that these two find a common thread between them - perhaps in their distaste for the regional government. Whatever quelled their fight, they managed to find peace and even a tenuous peace. For once, our lead finds and keeps a friend. But again, we descent the staircase of mental stability as guided by the piano (1:16). Our lead quickly recovers their paranoia and they're burdened by a feeling of agony. They remember that everyone is out to get them and are sad that they must betray their only friend in a long while to protect themselves. This contemplation deepens at 1:23, however, as our lead weigh the pros and cons of keeping this adventurer along as a companion. This time, the phasing in and out of the higher notes indicate different memories of betrayal and suffering caused by others popping up in our lead's mind as they ponder. All the while, the strings up to 1:53 highlight the pain and sadness that both underlie all these memories and their current situation. They can't stand having to be rid of all that come close to them.

The paranoia wins, but it's not quite so straightforward. The piano converges (1:53 - 2:04) into a cascade of horrible memories and experiences that our lead has faced and they can no longer see straight as they know what they must do. However, given that this is their first "friend" is a long while, our lead gives them a handicap rather than striking in the typical cloak and dagger style. The grating and laser shots this time indicate our lead goading the adventurer into an argument and their fragile relationship shatters as they quickly settle into their original feelings of each other. The final battle breaks out (2:04 - 2:18) and this time it is a passionate, hate-fueled fight for their lives. It is equally as measured and evenly matched as in the beginning skirmish but our lead finds an opening and strike the final blow onto the adventurer.

In this final section (2:18 - 2:40), we return to the now truly grim loneliness. The groups of trio notes played by the piano speak to me of true regret and grief. The strings? They just might be the quiet pleas for help from the adventurer. Our lead makes their usual escape but stops every so often as they're finally overcome by years of fear, paranoia, and loneliness. The painful cries of the adventurer, too, give them pause. But our lead manages to creep away and live in fear for another day. Similarly to the first short story, the departure of one partner is also marked by the absence of the snare drum. Unfortunate endings all around, eh?

Song Review and Rating

I think the choice of having this song be an instrumental song was key for a bunch of interrelated reasons. For one, music is often though of a language of its own that transcends spoken language and time. Spoken language is always changing and phases in and out. Music is a permanent installation of culture and communication. This song can be heard by anyone and its ideas understood. While A Turtle's Heart and Nine Point Eight highlight certain parts of the human experience, Friction is something that underlies relationships and humanity as a whole across time. This song is the first one of the album that is truly generalizable and relatable to all people. Another key reason is that this one song was able to tell two stories simultaneously. Rather, these two stories are what I was able to extract from my interpretation. I see no reason to think there aren't even more stories that may be variations of the ones I told or are completely unique.

Overall, I liked it! I didn't expect this song to be special since it didn't have any lyrics. I knew prior that instrumental songs are worthwhile in their own right but I had seen them more as modes for transporting moods and feelings. That is what Friction achieved, yes, but it went above and beyond. There was a clear story being told via these emotions. No, actually, what's really special about Friction is that it gives you the outline of a story. The rest is left open for you to fill in however you'd like! Now I know there are many more stories to be told out of this one song alone. It's reflective of media in general! In movies and books we often get similar storylines told in new ways. The core storylines and conflict are, in essence, few in number but encompass all the stories that are ever told. That's why we have the film reel sound in the beginning. Oh, this song is so much more than I could have ever imagined. These two stories are just the beginning. Yes, I can see even more possible stories unfolding before my very eyes. Although this song is at least eight years old, it's more alive than ever.

I give this truly timeless song an 8/10

Author's Note

Song four in this little project of mine and I run into another massive challenge. As my frequent readers know, I focus on the lyrics and only examine the instrumentals when it supports the message or theme of the lyrics. So, how does my format adapt to a song with no lyrics? I decided to take notes on the week's featured song as I normally do and figure it out from there. Then, I realized it would be fun to tell a story that I got from the song. But as I wrote about the first short story, I realized I saw another simultaneously. I wrote about both simply because I wanted my readers to have a post similar in length compared to my other reviews. I don't expect my readers to wait a week simply to read one short story. I'm glad I did because doing so opened my eyes to the flexibility of the song. Their work is nothing short of incredible.

Fun fact: I originally intended for this week's analysis to be a double feature! I didn't think I would have nearly as much to say about an instrumental song as I did. I was prepared to feature Friction alongside Fable and Ephemeral with Maroma Samsa at a later time in the album. Why these pairs? I expect Ephemeral and Maroma Samsa to be heavy hitters both in length and in story compared to the other two. Now, I'm not so certain as what to expect. Regarding this format, I'm uncertain this method will keep with the other three instrumental songs in this album. I'll try to do a similar format for those songs but I'll play it by ear. What you can count on, however, is a post every Friday. I do plan on having a surprise double feature one day, so keep an eye out ;)

And finally, thank you. Thank you for reading and for giving these a chance. I've just recently realized the true magnitude that this project entails and I'm overjoyed I get to do it for a small but dedicated audience.

Until next Friday,

Jailaster

[jailaster]

Song Review 1: A Turtle's Heart by Mili

As the first song on their first album, Mili has to make a good impression. And my first impression was: 👌 This song captures their essence, their goal, their style right off the bat. This song is seemingly simple but tells of what's to follow in the rest of this album and in their career. Mili has done an excellent job of defining themselves - it just takes a careful listener to hear their message. You'll need more than a few listens to appreciate everything that is going on in this song alone. Allow me to walk you through my interpretation, analysis, and review of this song.

Song Analysis

The heart of a turtle. Turtles are slow beings and are generally depicted as wise. They move slowly, have hard exteriors, and have soft interiors. Therefore, the heart of a turtle is also soft and needs to be protected. An obvious conclusion, in the literal sense. But in terms of meaning for the song, the protagonist is someone who is emotionally guarded yet is highly empathetic and loves deeply. Additionally, our protagonist seems to be someone who is very old, nearing the end of their life.

The story told by the song is as follows: The protagonist is alone, having been left behind by their partner after their passing relatively early in their life. We can glean from the intensity and longevity of their grieving that the protagonist had found and lost their soulmate - their one and only. Our lead attempts to live on but it is a largely futile attempt as they still love their partner deeply and carries the weight of their death daily. They are trying so hard to move on and live a regular life - just as their partner would have wanted. And they regularly experience mental breaks while trying to do so. And because they're so old, our lead's body is beginning to fail and so is their mind. The weight of their loss and grieving for over a half-century going into old life leads to a final dramatic and heartbreaking mental breakdown...

and they die of a broken heart

We'll walk together through this heart wrenching story together

Monday is a rainy day and I stay inside letting time pass away Tuesday is quite the same, so I daydream about moments of shame

The rain is reflective of the protagonist's mood and thoughts: they're constantly hurting on the inside and are depressed at being without their soulmate. The days are melting together, and time is becoming meaningless. The symptoms of depression are apparent. They're remembering and holding onto their strongest and longest lasting memories of their time together. The moments of shame are likely referring to embarrassing moments they either experienced together or mistakes confided in each other. After all, highly emotional events like these are more easily stored into our long-term memory and are easily recalled.

Life goes around and round, I've stumbled and stopped moving on Turning round and around, I realize that I have been left behind

This section is particularly well portrayed because Wei's voice goes up and down in pitch in singing "have been left behind", resembling a heartbeat pattern - down up, down up. And here we see the first indication of how severe the lead's hurting is affecting their mental state. Also, Wei's high-pitched voice and drawing out the "behind" allows you to nearly experience firsthand the pain that is being endured. This is the first of two mental breaks shown through these pure, guttural cries.

In a tiny tiny tiny tiny cubicle There lives a whiny whiny whiny whiny cowardly turtle In twenty thirty forty fifty sixty years My heart won't die no matter how hard I try

This portion is about how the protagonist attempts to move on and live on after their partner's death for over a half-century. But their life is rather meaningless and they're overall depressed and maybe even bitter. Their heart living on in this case is both literal and figurative. In the literal sense, Protag may be wishing for their own death as to be reunited with their partner more quickly. Taken this way, they are not suicidal, but they do want their suffering alone to end eventually. Figuratively, the heart represents their enduring love and lasting grief. In this view, they cannot move on from their partner, even though they might even want to. It is apparent that their love was of the deepest kind to have this kind of impact.

Today is a lonely day I pretend that I really like it this way Tomorrow will stay the same And I can't even remember your name

This again goes to show the efforts made by our lead to once again pick up the pieces of their heart and move on. They are now realizing, however, that they cannot go on much longer like this. They know each day will be a constant reminder of their loss and loneliness - nothing will change. They've been holding onto the memories and love for their partner for so long that the time since their partner's passing and the protagonist's age is catching up to them. The memories are fading away.

You're around no more No more Though, this love of mine It just won't stop

This is it. The culminating moment for our lead. Protag is crying out because although their lover had been gone for so long, they cannot stop loving them and cannot stop the intense heartache. And so, they have another mental break. This is the second cry of the protagonist, the second mental breakdown. The difference with this one, however, is that Cassie's voice doesn't climb in pitch at all. It's just a flat, lifeless hold of the note that slowly drops off- our lead's heart has flatlined. With a final breath, our protagonist finally passed of a broken heart.

No body body body body to support My heavy heavy heavy but empty shell But I'm not lazy lazy lazy anymore Oh darling can't you see I've grown so much more

Now dead, the lead's soul moves on into the afterlife. Observing themselves, the protagonist notes their lifeless body. There is no soul to support the body - the now empty turtle shell. However, now free of their deteriorated body, their soul is now weightless and they're more than what they were; that is, more than what they were in their body. However, they still carry the burden of love in their heart. Even after death, love prevails.

Maybe maybe maybe you've forgiven me Oh, but darling darling darling you have to make sure To stab me pierce me hurt me kill me thoroughly You see, my heart won't die though I really tried~

Reunited with their soulmate, they're elated and seeking comfort from their endured suffering. The forgiveness they're seeking is likely regarding their failure to live their mortal life after their soulmate's passing. It's not what their partner would have wanted. Now, the protagonist speaks to their lover for the first time in over fifty years and asks, no, begs for them to finally ease this turtle's heavy heart. Whether that means getting closure and moving on or to end their grief so that they may live and love on in the afterlife is up for interpretation. Personally, I've always been a fan of happy endings.

Song Review and Rating

As I said in the beginning, this was a beautiful first entry into their lore and provides incredible insight into their storytelling capabilities. I've been a fan of Mili for over six years now and even I didn't realize the depth that this song alone held. This was a quite sad story, but if the nature of their relationship was as deep and consummate as I suspect, then they will find peace in the afterlife together. I certainly hope that's the case.

It's as I said in my "About Mili" post, their music is reflective of real-life scenarios and experiences of humanity. Many have loved as deeply as our protagonist and have lost their partner. And those people must go on through life even though they might not see the way forward. Some cope and adapt successfully, others do not. This is a very human experience, though. In explaining what humanity is to someone, you could use this song to demonstrate the compassion and love that people can have for each other. To show the social nature of humanity and the psychology and emotions of love, grief, and loss. Do not worry, however. Mili will cover other aspects of the human experience, including living a happy life with your significant other.

This is just the beginning

Although I don't believe this is the best song of this album, it is certainly up there. From the opening sequence, we get an upbeat mood from the instrumentals. It's lively and energetic, giving the feeling of youthful optimism and outlook. This is contrasted by the lyrics which, overall, tells of isolation, depression, and grief. This contrast between the lyrics and instrumentals is a frequent stylistic choice for Mili - it is always a nice juxtaposition. The instrumentals at times made Wei's voice hard to hear and understand, although that may have been an artistic choice because much like real life, we struggle to be heard and be seen over the noise, events, and bustle of life going on around us. Mili has established themselves and their work will only get better with time and experience.

One thing I couldn't figure out - why the repetition of words? I figure the words being repeated a few times don't have any meaningful connection. I feel like I'm on the cusp of drawing a connection to something else, but I'm missing something. It strikes something familiar in my head but I'm unsure of what. Let me know why you believe some words are repeated three or four times.

As a last note, I was unsure if the protagonist was a male or a female. This is why I used a nonbinary singular "they" as the subject of the song. It was likely left ambiguous as to be relatable and reflective of humanity as a whole. I see no reason they couple in question couldn't have been a lesbian or gay couple, either. This is a really nice detail! Everyone listening to this song can feel included and united under one label: human.

I rate this song a well earned 8/10

Author's Note

Thank you so much for reading this really long post! I'll be posting a new song review, analysis, and rating every Friday. No set time just yet so be on the lookout! I'm pretty busy trying to balance working on my psych degree, having a social life, and doing this. I will post every week, however. This is a passion project of mine. I won't disappoint you or myself.

Regarding the length of this post, I don't expect all posts to be this long. For their instrumental only songs and their two songs written only in a fantasy language, the posts are likely to be shorter as I won't have any lyrics to analyze. For songs written in French, Japanese, and Chinese, I'll be using the official English translations as provided by Mili.

Lastly, I recognize that my analysis has some weak points and there may be other interpretations. Please, leave your critique in the comments, DM me, or make a submission! I'll try to raise the quality every week myself, such as using a standardized format, writing in another application and transferring the work here, and taking the feedback from friends and readers like you :)

See you next Friday!

Jailaster

[jailaster]

Song Review 2: Nine Point Eight by Mili

Nine Point Eight has quite the act to follow after what A Turtle's Heart had to offer. And this one certainly doesn't disappoint! This song, along with YUBIKIRI-GENMAN, being featured in Rayark's mobile rhythm game "Deemo" was tremendously helpful in the group's early success. Additionally, you can expect a similar quality of story and meaning within this song just like we saw in A Turtle's Heart. Mili really does put in the work into every song they produce. Allow me to walk you through my interpretation, analysis, and review on one of Mili's most beloved works.

Song Analysis:

Please note that I'll be operating under the assumption that our lead is female and her partner male for simplicity of writing this analysis and review.

This song features another set of star-crossed lovers who are separated and joined again by death. It appears that our couple is on the run, perhaps escaping from an abusive situation back at their homes. Maybe they're being persecuted or even exiled? What is apparent, however, is that these two are young, deeply committed to each other, and are deeply in love.

You ready? Calla lily, carnation, daisy Silently chase away your worries Chrysanthemum, kalanchoe Become your shield whenever you fall asleep

The voice giving the first line is the lead's lover. It's confident and encouraging, he's giving our lead the push she needs to take the leap of faith and escape whatever tragic situation is plaguing them back at home. And off they go with spirits high and hope at its peak. Calla lilies and carnations are symbolic of their youth, devotion, and love for each other while daisies can be taken here to represent their purity of heart and a new beginning for them. She is also a guardian, watching over him while he sleeps and shielding him from the horrors back home that may be tailing them and the worries about what the future holds. They're also optimistic yet realistic, as represented through the chrysanthemums and kalanchoes. The message of these flowers is one of devotion, hope, and persistence. All of which will be necessary for their adventure.

I cried out Please don't leave me behind, leave me behind So you held me tight And said I will be just fine, I will be just fine, I will be just fine

As he carries anxieties and worries, she is weighed down by nightmares of past and fears of being left alone. She's terrified because his body is bruised and battered, he can barely keep up. He will not last much longer. But they are there for each other — it is his turn to act as protector over his partner. Their love is one of the strongest sorts, perhaps they too are soulmates.

Petals dance for our valediction And synchronize to your frozen pulsation Take me to where your soul may live in peace Final destination

Unfortunately, her biggest fear is realized. She is leading the way, hand in hand, as he's barely strong enough to follow. And with a gust of wind that sent flower petals flying, he keels over. The wind can be interpreted as representation of the friction and challenges on Earth that they face: they're fighting against the world, and it succeeds in separating the lovers and taking what hope and support they had as seen with the flying away of the flower petals. The moment he collapses she stops and so does her perception of time. She cries out in shock and tears as she feels his body fall. "Please! Take me with you! Don't leave me!" she yells through sobs. Our next pair of lovers face another painful separation via death, and she is now left alone in a green and flowery field.

Touch of your skin sympathetically brushed against the shoulders you used to embrace Sparkling ashes drift along your flames and softly merge into the sky

As much as it hurts her to do, she must cremate his body. She won't allow him to become decomposed or food for wandering beasts. Before she does, she holds him one last time. And as he burns, his ashes dance alongside the flower petals and pollen, intertwining together in one last beautiful display — a goodbye.

Lisianthus aroma drags me out of where I was Cream rose, stargazer, iris Construct the map that helps me trace your steps

The slowing down of the song before these lyrics are sang provides a window into our lead's mind. As she's watching his ashes fly away with the flowers, so too goes their hope and plans to spend their lives together. Memoires that they created and shared together of love, peace, joy, and absurdity flashes before her. Her eyes glaze over again as she realizes who she lost and that she's all alone. She's then brought back to the present by the smell of the flowers not taken by the wind: Lisianthus, cream rose, stargazer, and iris. The smell of Lisianthus tells of the eternal bond of lovers — there may be hope yet. Cream rose, stargazer, and iris flowers speak to her newfound hope, determination, and measured thought as she realized she might be able to be reunited with her lover. But how? She observes the upwards swirl of petals, and the way is revealed to her.

Zip my mouth I just keep climbing up, keep climbing up Justify our vows I know you are right above, you are right above, you are right above

Up she goes. She's determined and will not be stopped. She will join her lover in the afterlife. The vows spoken of are likely promises of commitment both in romance and in life. She says that her partner is right above. Is this heaven she's alluring to? No. It's Mag Mell. This is the afterlife I spoke of last review. That is where her lover is now and where she seeks to go. It's not documented very well, but Irish mythology speaks of Mag Mell as a utopian place where happiness never ceases and need for food and water is no longer so. It's not quite an afterlife, rather a secluded place on Earth, but I believe Mili is taking the small jump to make it an afterlife in their universe. It's heaven in the sense that it's a utopian space but different in that only the deserving are admitted. You won't gain admission simply by forgiveness of sins. Since they are both pure of heart, they will likely be welcome.

Look Now I'm on the top of your world, top of your world My darling Here I come, I yell And take a leap to Hell

Atop the peak she arrives. Our lead is once again breathless but this time it's because she notices just how high she is and how far she can see. She is literally standing on top of his world; she is his Polaris. The map is made, and it points straight up — right to Mag Mell. What's really nice is that you can hear her hesitation and fear with the small utterance of "darling". But the reminder of being alone and the possibility of being reunited with him is the push she needs. She then runs to the edge and makes one last leap of faith.

Swirling wind sings for our reunion And nine point eight is my acceleration Take me to where our souls may live in peace Our brand-new commencement

If the wind is representative of the evil nature of the world conspiring against these two, then the wind is literally laughing and singing for her demise. Maybe it was these two against the world, after all, and their troubles larger than we might have imagined. Now, she takes the leap of faith, falling downwards at acceleration of nine point eight meters per square second. As she falls, our lead reaches out to her deceased lover and asks for his guidance in their new life together. She hopes their new beginning will be one of peace and tranquility rather than the hell they've been suffering on Earth. Perhaps the commencement referenced is a welcome ceremony that everyone gets upon admission to Mag Mell? An interesting and comforting idea.

Touch of your lips compassionately pressed against the skill that you used to cherish Delicate flesh decomposes off my rotten bones And softly merge into the sky

This song ends with our lead crashing headfirst into the remains of her lover. In life, death, and the afterlife, these two are inseparable. So, too, is her body reunited with nature and her soul with her lover. May they find peace in Mag Mell like our previous pair of lovers.

Song Review and Rating

Nine Point Eight is a similarly tragic and sad story in comparison to A Turtle's Heart, although it's told in a more direct manner. On initial readings and analysis, I was disappointed in the straightforwardness of Nine Point Eight. But upon repeated listening and reading, I've come to value this song more and more. While I appreciate the openness to interpretation that A Turtle's Heart provided, there is elegance and beauty in both complex and straightforward stories. Even in the simplest and most direct telling of stories there is nuance to analyze and interpret.

Perhaps there isn't as much depth in the way the story is told is because the one telling it — our young female lead — isn't as mature and cognitively developed compared to the older lead of A Turtle's Heart. If that's the case, then at the time of writing this, my appreciation for both songs and Mili in general has somehow increased even more.

There's something I'm still wondering about. Why is hell still called hell? Is it to rhyme with Mag Mell? I imagine this is the case because the rhyming scheme makes you wonder just how different the two are in Mili's lore. Since Mag Mell is a space in the afterlife that only admits the worthy, perhaps hell is where those are rejected go. In which case it may either be limbo or hell according to Christian beliefs. Something to ponder further.

Regardless, Nine Point Eight is a lovely song that I really enjoyed diving into! This song just aids A Turtle's Heart in shaping and defining what kind of band Mili is. However, I actually enjoyed it less than A Turtle's Heart. It's not one of my favorites, but I still appreciate what it had to add to this album, their repertoire, and to their success. I wouldn't skip this song if it came up on shuffle. Too many memories and sentiment are linked to this song alone.

I rate this song a decently high 7/10

Authors Note

I thank each and every one of you for reading my post :) It means a lot to me! As you may have noticed, I'll be working through each song in order that they are listed in the albums. I'll then be moving on from album to album in order of release date. Next Friday is my review and analysis of Utopiosphere! My opinion on that song isn't that high right now, but maybe that will change upon closer review.

As always, feel free to provide any feedback and criticism you may have through my AMA page, submissions page, or through DMs! This story was a little more difficult to construct as the story detailed by the song is relatively simple and straightforward. The parts left unsaid were very open to possibilities and interpretation, perhaps a little too open for my taste. I think it turned out alright, though! This review certainly isn't my magnum opus, but I am nonetheless proud of it.

Thank you again so much for reading! I'll see you next Friday. ❤️

Jailaster