JACKSON

One of the finest talents in the ever expanding Japanese progressive scene is guitarist Kido Natsuki. Best known for his work with Bondage Fruit, he has developed numerous projects of varying styles. Korekyojin is a power trio that can best be described as an instrumental technical progressive garage band. This band is frantic and raw with rock and roll virtuosity.

Natsuki has written great music with BF, but has subdued his guitaring 'wild beast' at times for the sake of composition (not a bad thing). Korekyojin is a different story. Being a classic Guit/Bass/Drum trio allows him to bring forth his monstrous guitar abilities. Yet Tatsuya and Mitsuru's Drum and Bass abilities are far from overshadowed. Influences from a wide array of rock players can be heard, but the easiest influences to hear are Yes in the instrumentation (sans the metaphysics) and King Crimson in the writing (sans the long-winded improvisations). The album mix is very untampered with, for lack of a better term. Compression, limiting and effects in mastering seem to be kept to a minimum to give the impression of the band being in the room with you.

The CD version reviewed also has a limitted edition mini-disc Yes medley included. Korekyojin plays a part from just about every Yes song written for full band between 1972 and 1977 in a 5:38 tribute. Has to be heard to be believed.

This album is very exciting and qualifies as a masterpiece. Fun stuff.

4.8 stars... rounded up.