NIPPONJIN

This band is actually classified in art rock in the archives and I must admit that is totally out of place. The music of this Japanese band has its roots in psychedelic space rock. It deserves an obvious comparison with German "kosmische musik" lead by Ashra tempel, Klaus Schulze and many others. The first side is the original "Nipponjin" release with its grandiose title track. "Nipponjin" directly opens the album in an impressive manner. Some molecular noises, cymbals are floating like waves and sitar chords announce the departure to an other planet. A very eloquent "cosmic" trip which finally goes (for the best) into a "plaintive" spacey rock ballad dominated by melodic voices, electronic noises, linear synth notes and acoustic guitar riffs. The lead guitar break is frankly emotional, really intense stuff. "The Cave" is an other fascinating composition, starting with electronic experimentations, pursuing into a groovy, bluesy rock song with nice Floydian's organ passages (the opening theme of "Needles"). The second side of the album is only made of unreleased tracks. "Undiscovered Northern Land" is a rather discreet, abstract soundscape, presented as an interlude. "Timeless" is a typical Far East composition; a dynamic spacey rock meeting a vibrant Asian felt in the voice and the groove. "The god of water" is an other atmospheric interlude for electronic effects. "River of soul" provides a rather similar exciting psych voyage that we can hear in "The Cave". The last three tracks are maybe the less interesting compositions, softer in a sense. "Mystery of Northern Space" mixes an inspired melodic floating rock with the psychedelic edge of the Pink Floyd. A nice rock'n roll exploration throw infinite times and foreign spaces.