GAPPA

This is the third album by Japanese outfit Wappa Gappa, and I know this because it is possible to view their web site in English! Although all of the lyrics are in Japanese this isn't a major problem, as the female voice becomes just another instrument, but they do kindly offer a translation for all of the lyrics in their booklet. This is a prog band that has a lot going for it, with some great guitar leads. It is difficult to describe how they sound as they are quite different to most bands around, but that has to be very much in their favour. There are elements of Gentle Giant and other Seventies bands due to some of the kjeyboard sounds they employ, but also they often go off at tangents into a musical free for all as they open up and have fun. This is easily one of the best Japanese prog albums that I have come across.

There are gentle quiet passages, then off they go on another rock out. It's all quite fun really. Although initially released in Japan it is now also available in Europe through Musea. As for the name? On the site they tell us that '"Wappa"means hand cuffs in japanese plicemen's slang."Gappa" in chinese character can be read with a meaning of "I break it". There is a hidden hope behind our name which says " Be free, be yourself".' Now you know!

Originally appeared in Feedback #79, June 2004