ALL IMAGES BLAZING

— First review of this album —

Wondering where they want to go via this album. A Japanese 'veteran' combo ALL IMAGES BLAZING, founded by Yoshinori KATAOKA (keyboards) and Atsuko TANAKA (vocals), have been active since 2004. The latest creation "Crimson Red" was released in 2021 as their third full-length album, that Is my first AIB creation ever. They say they have been inspired by oldie American pop / rock or 70s authentic British progressive rock scenes and it makes sense when we find the album's title ? it might say they are influenced by one of British progressive rock giants King Crimson. It's a shame we cannot find any similarity to such a big name through their soundscape, but colourful influences by Japanese pop, 70s western rock, or game music. The female voices just like cosplay shows explain this matter, let me say.

Not mention details about every single song but all their material would possess sorta motivation towards an acceptable catchy song. Sounds like they squeeze some so-called progressive essence into their goodie pop stuff. Their instrumental technique is splendid really, whichever we listen to. If they create Japanese pop / rock album, this opus would be more fascinating and more popular for Japanese rock fans all over the world. The first "Roll On Tomorrow" involves superb enchanting images and aggressive attitude. Would like to claim clearly that they should have solidified their soundscape as decent pop like ones appeared in the Japanese pop chart, without seasoning any 'so-called' progressive flavour like complicated rhythmic bases or weird melodic distortions. In this sense we rock fans would feel sad via this latest production, where they are wasting their excellent artistic talent. Cannot call this album progressive, A good album nonetheless.