RIO Drop-In Centre

Black Velvet wrote: One question that I want to ask with Wh-ha-ha, I want to check them out (considering the whole Japanese thing). You have suggested "Shinutokiwa Betsu". When I have been searching I have notice their other album "Getahaitekonakucha" seems to get rated better. So which album would you think would be the best to start with and do they both have a similar sound?

They are both very good and do indeed have generally the same sound, although Shinutokiwa Betsu has a lot more focus. Wha-ha-ha seemingly has a tendency, in especially their longer songs, to stop somewhat abruptly and then go on a do something different -- Not that it is bad... it's just a little... strange, maybe unfitting even? On Getahaitekonakucha they do it a lot more often. I would definitely go with Shinutokiwa Betsu first, although Getahaitekonakucha is just as good, if not better. I'll reserve my judgment until I know the latter album a little more familiarly.


Edited by Fourside - July 20 2006 at 16:08

Adam, I've yet to hear any Current 93, but I do know they did a cover version of Diana, by my favourite prog folk band, Comus!  I really want to hear it, as I think I may actually go on to like some of their other stuff.

Edited by Geck0 - July 20 2006 at 16:54

I have recently picked up Current 93's lastest album "Black Ships Ate the Sky" which is growing on me. Definately one of their better release over the last decade. There is something that really gets to me about their later material (in a good way). I take a great interest in the lyrics, there has been a lot of thought put into these. Combined with the spoken word vocal of David Tibet; there is a very emotional hearfelt atomsphere surrounding the songs.

In the latest album there is one longer song which wonders off into the more experimental realms, using tape loops and other such technics, which really sparked my interest in their older works. But a very interesting album overall.

Yes I will check out "Judus As Black Moth". I just looked up the stock of my local store and it is one of the album they have on shelf so next time I head down I will definately pick it up along with some of their other stuff. Yes and it is very cheap for a double CD only $20 so I don't think I can go wrong. Thanks for the suggestion.   

Just had a listen to that song you suggested, it sounded quite good. Rather post-rock/experimental. I see they are on Southern records so of me that is a good thing as there are a few bands on the lable I like. Where abouts on the site did you find them? I search and couldn't find word about them. Well I have to get going finally my real copy of Sotos Platypus has arrived at the store, just have to go down and pick it up

So I am away for a few weks and you abandon the threaed? Shame on you

oops I have been meaning put some stuff up in here for a while now, but it has been something that keeps slipping my mind.

James I think I am the opposite to you in regard to Sotos and Zaar. I really do see Zaar as quite a nice evolution form where Sotos disabandoned.

I will write up some more stuff when I get the time, unforunately I have to off now, otherwise I am going to be late. I will put up a little list and some explainations of some of the music I have been discovering of late. So hopefully I will get some time soon.

Also it is good to still see you on the forums Assaf

Edited by Black Velvet - July 25 2006 at 16:46

Black Velvet wrote: oops I have been meaning put some stuff up in here for a while now, but it has been something that keeps slipping my mind. James I think I am the opposite to you in regard to Sotos and Zaar. I really do see Zaar as quite a nice evolution form where Sotos disabandoned. I will write up some more stuff when I get the time, unforunately I have to off now, otherwise I am going to be late. I will put up a little list and some explainations of some of the music I have been discovering of late. So hopefully I will get some time soon. Also it is good to still see you on the forums Assaf

I have NoVa eXPReSS by NeBeLNeST and while not a spectacular album in my opinion, it is worthwhile getting it, especially if you like their first album like you said. I think you will be very satisfied with that one as well, if not more than the 1st. I did not hear the first s/t one, but I was told it was less improvisational-wise and more focused and sounded better. I am very curious to hear what direction their music will take in their coming album.

Yes Chamberry, you will definately not be disappointed with there second offering. So there is nothing to be hesitant about. Also I am looking forward to listening to their third album which is hopefully coming out sometime soon.

Well I think it is well know that over this last little while I have been getting myself further accostomed in the Japanese underground scene.

Just lately I have been looking into some of the works of Otomo Yoshihide, amoung these being his solo work longside bands like: Ground Zero, Date Course Pentagon Royal Garden, Otomo Yoshihide's New Jazz Quintet. I am sure there are many more but these are the one I have found interesting so far.

The band I would like to talk about today is the band called "Date Course Pentagon Royal Garden". I have there debt album 'Report from Iron Mountain' which so far I am find to be a rather pleasing listening experience.



Catch 22 (10:00)
Play Mate at Hanoi (12:29)
S (10:51)
Circle/Line - Hard Core Peace (16:02)
Hey Joe (12:00)
Mirror Balls (8:16)

Line Up

Naruyoshi Kikuchi: VOX-Jagar, CD-J, keyboard
Otomo Yoshihide: guitar
Kohki Takai: guitar, filter
Yasuhiro Yoshigaki: drums
Nobuo Fujii: drums
Masaki Kurihara: bass
Kenta Tsugami: soprano sax
Yoshihiro Goseki: tenor sax
Masayasu Tzuboguchi: synthesizers, electric piano, clavinett
Gen Ohgimi: percussion
Masaki Yoshimi: tabla

I have found this an interesting and at times amusing project from what I guess you could call a Japanese 'supergroup'. The music is a blend of electronica, free-jazz and at times throw in a little bit of odd noise. Overall this is a very jazz orientated project with enough avant-garde aspects to keep things interesting. Unforunately at times the music can get a little cheesy, reminding me of some of Weather Reports output... not that there is anything wrong with Weather Report

From reading up on the band I have heard a lot of claims this album has a lot of ties with Bitches Brew; wearing their influences on their sleeves. So imagine elements of Bitches Brew mixed in with the Boredoms absurdities. Though at time this album can wonder, it is neverless an interesting experiment and has held my interest at least for the time being, so decent but nothing amazing.

Thanks everyone, I'll be sure to get Nova Express as soon as I get tired of their debut . . . or maybe not that long.

Edited by chamberry - July 25 2006 at 20:58