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"Japanese for Beginners" is Near The Parenthesis' 4th album via the n5MD imprint and 5th overall. Not far behind on the contemplative artfulness of 2010's "Music For the Forest Concourse" this new album finds Tim Arndt adding more texturally experimental treatments to his signature mix of melodic IDM and Modern Classical. Arndt was intent on creating a decidedly more "electronic" backdrop for the record, which includes what may be some of the most creative drum programming of his career. Building on this new platform, Japanese for Beginners continues Arndt's bias and skill in constructing haunting piano motifs and, as always, brings the pieces together seamlessly. The songs on "Japanese For Beginners" are as hopeful, as dreamy, and as thoughtfully crafted as you want them to be. With this album as with any of Arndt's releases, it is up to the listener to dive into the details or simply let it play as the soundtrack to your day.

Near the Parenthesis creates ambient electronic and modern classical music. The reflective, expressive melodies, usually created by pianos or guitars, are often underpinned by glitches and wavering synthesis, as well as field recordings and sampled voices. The music achieves a duality between relaxation and excitement, balancing comforting ambience with wistful melodies and intricate production.