PARALLEL WORLD

One of the greatest album of Japanese progressive rock (or at least - of that part of Japanese prog I heard). Light, cosmic-atmospheric-but not lightweight-combination of early Pink Floyd spacey sound, German kraut rock and early electronics.

Even if you can hear some recogniseable influentions in moments, the music in whole is original and has it's Japanese flavour, coming from Japanese folk tradition. Produced by Klaus Schulze, this album has strong touch of German early electronic, but this component is very organically incorporated in common album's side.

This sound could be labelled as "Japanese krautrock", but in fact it is more then just krautrock - spacey/psychedelic compositions are taken a big part of the album. Masanori Takasaki ( who will be a new age music star later under the name Kitaro) plays there as well.

It's difficul to describe this music - easy but serious listening, light, but no way commercial - strange and attractive mix of known sounds and techniques in new combination. Fresh till now - I think this album is one of the best entrance to Japanese progressive for newcomers.

Very recommended. My rating - 4,5 , rounded to 5.