GOLD & GREEN

OOIOO are an all-female band from Japan led by multi-instrumentalist Yoshimi P-We. She is also the drummer for THE BOREDOMS and a couple of members from that band guest on this record. P-We guested on a FLAMING LIPS record, and another one of the guests on here is Sean Lennon of all people adding vocals. This is their third album from 2000 and as the bio here for them says about this, is that it mixes krautrock, free jazz and ethnic sounds with that quirky Japanese style.

I find it a mixed bag. Interesting how it starts and ends with that mournful trumpet, like a Remembrance Day ceremony. Highlight for me is "Grow Sound Tree". There is so much going on here and it's powerful later on. Love the vocal melodies too. My favourite. I also like the space rock vibe on "Ki No Roku Ressha" and the bass on "I'm A Song". "Fossil" is good too. There's just not enough here to warrant the 4 stars in my world.

I honestly think I am spoiled for their albums after hearing their "Taiga" record from 2006. That one is unique with all the drummers on it, with beats coming and going at will. I was blown away by that album. This one not so much.