NIVRAYM

The slightly more accessible (relatively speaking) relative of Ruins, Koenjihyakkei are much more overtly Zeuhl-linked. This is perhaps their most accessible album yet, essentially the jazzier side of Magma with the madcap insanity of Ruins thrown in, particularly in the title track. Pretty much all the tracks are worthy examples of the almost unique Japanese Zeuhl style, avant-garde and jazzy, light-hearted at times, and above all fast-paced and aggressive! If I had to pick anything out, the two longer tracks on the album, Lussesoggi Zomm and Gassttrumm, showcase the ability to build and develop rhythms throughout a track rather than just simply hitting you with a wall of manic sound. While the first two Koenji albums were a bit too complex and inaccessible, this one hits just the right balance and is a fantastic example if you want to start exploring a musical niche.

ALMOST 4 stars