TIPOGRAPHICA

3.5 stars. TIPOGRAPHICA were a six piece band out of Japan releasing three studio albums in the 90's along with a live one before calling it a day. This is the debut from 1993, and while there were some bands from Sweden at this time resurrecting that symphonic style, TIPOGRAPHICA were continuing what Zappa, HENRY COW and the like had been doing previous. So we get a strong avant vibe, even free jazz at times with the two horn players. But these guys seem to worship Zappa even to the point of the guitarist nailing Frank's style.

There are a lot of hit and run sounds on this one, the array of pings, pops and punchy sounds is all over this. Horns honking away and all of this is so complex. A raw sounding album, at least compared to their next one "God Says I Can't Dance" which is more refined. I much prefer that second record, my favourite from them, even though it's another difficult listen. I can at least enjoy that one somewhat. The debut not nearly as much. Humour of course is all over their instrumental music.

I am very content to have "God Says I Can't Dance" as my go-to TIPOGRAPHICA album. The enjoyment level for me on the debut is low but man this is so impressive, and out of the blue really for 1993. This would have stunned some music fans back in the day to say the least.