Honne/ Tatemae

Julian Shah‑Tayler’s "Honne/Tatemae" is an unapologetically visceral dive into the duality of self love and betrayal, hope and despair. Its title, rooted in Japanese ethos, stands for “true feelings” (honne) versus “public façade” (tatemae), and Shah‑Tayler throws everything at the canvas with theatrical bravado. He opens with a spoken‑word prologue—fragile and haunting—that frames the record as a cycle of creation and decay, a looped existential statement via reversed piano notes and poetic ambience.

Tracks like “Malicious Intent (The Untalented Mister Ripley)” are primeval roars of betrayal, driven by seething electro‑rock, snarling vocals, and emotional cleanse by sheer volume. A friend’s betrayal becomes catharsis, complete with cameo by his own daughter urging the anger to end. In contrast, "Sufferation" is a tender-shoegaze tinged lullaby of post‑punk and dream‑pop textures, a beautiful pause amid the storms.

The lush closer, “Lights Out,” featuring Bowie‑era luminaries Mike Garson (piano), David J, and Carmine Rojas, delivers cinematic electro‑epic grandeur with soul‑stirring choruses and piano interludes. It’s healing framed in sound, a resolute farewell and reaffirmation of impermanence: “we will be erased like a face drawn in sand on the edge of the sea.

Across its eleven tracks, the album is meticulously sequenced—no filler, each song a distinct emotional chamber. It navigates through brutish funk‑pop anger, oblique poetic confession, and epic synth‑drenched catharsis with equal ambition. What sets "Honne/Tatemae" apart is its raw honesty paired with high‑gloss production. Shah‑Tayler doesn’t hide behind metaphors—he invites you in, even when it hurts. His sound draws frequent Bowie and Prince comparisons, but his personal specificity and emotional bravery carve its own.

In short? This is Shah‑Tayler’s self‑therapy album—a cathartic, emotionally unfiltered exploration of love lost and self‑discovered. If you crave music that bruises and heals in equal measure, “Honne/Tatemae” delivers the full spectrum.

Verdict: 5/5 A fearless, cinematic journey through heartbreak and regeneration. Not for the faint of heart, but deeply rewarding for those who lean in.

For streaming and more information: Julian Shah‑Tayler and Bandcamp