DOPPELGÄNGER

This powerful, bizarre avant-prog from Japan has done it again big time, although regrettably in the shorter context of an EP. Pochakaite Malko's "Doppelgänger" finds the band exploring their rougher side in a fluent fashion, in this way stating some sort of family airs in communion with other magnificent names in contemporary avant-prog (One Shot, Guapo). I mean, PM has delivered a more robust set of pulsations and a darker concurrence of musical vibrations for the 4 track setlist comprised in "Doppelgänger". The namesake track (also, the shortest one) opens up the album with rocking splendor, with its precise hooks and catchy rhythms. The aggressive bass lines are especially featured in the mix, still allowing the drummer's precise foundation and the visceral deliveries on keyboard and violin to shine with their own light. After this manifestation of appealing zeuhl is over, 'Anna' goes to more eclectic pastures, combining the aggressive side of zeuhl and the sensual cadences of jazz-rock (in a very robust fashion), and what's more, introducing some passages inspired by Renaissance pastoral music during which a recorder or two make their way within the instrumental amalgamation. 'Pluto' kicks off with the sound of church bells and footsteps mysteriously creeping through dark corridors, while the band gets warm with a martial-oriented prologue. The overall sense of menace is very reminiscent of 79-81 Univers Zero, while the specific pulsating vibe delivered by the rhythm section feels related to "Kohntarkosz"-era Magma. A later passage emerges in a very magnificent way, allowing the ensemble to build the explosive climax that ends the track. The horror never ends, it just takes varied guises through the track's development. 'Acid Rain' brings an end to the tracklist, bearing an aura similar to that of the opening track but going to far denser places (not unlike compatriot band Koenji Hyakkei). You can also notice a prominent presence of jazzy grooves (not alien to the history of RIO), which make Tsuboy quite comfortable in this demand for sensitiveness and technical prowess. He literally shines with a light of sound that we can barely conceive in thought and never describe with words accurately. The 7 ½ minutes that this track lasts go flying by in the listener's mind, all the way toward the superhuman frenzy that fills the track's finale. This is how a musical work should end, leaving the listener hungry for more. On the other hand. it is such a pity that this album is so short (after all, it's an EP). You'll have to enjoy for what it is.