TOSCCO

Avestin has introduced me to so many albums and I always try to thank him in my reviews(thanks again Assaf). This one though is the best one he has recommended to me so far. This is also my favourite record from Japan right now. There is a darkness and heaviness to this album with drums leading the way. This is an all instrumental record.

We get started with "The Great Man" and I love this song ! The flute and organ create a gloomy atmosphere, and there is some heaviness to this song as well. "Overdrive Locomotive" has a fantastic intro like a heavy metal train travelling with great force down the tracks. We get some chaotic sounds and drums before an enjoyable section 5 minutes in when the tempo speeds up. "Nord Company Vs. Lead Company" is led by the drums as synths are being fired off all over the place. Guitar comes in as the song changes. I really like the breif guitar here and later after 4 minutes. "Filial Piety At The Dawn" has a catchy melody as heavy guitar comes and goes. There is some weird keyboard sounds in this one as the drums continue to dominate.

"The Sushi Bar (With Bad Face, Bad Manners, And Bad Times)" is a relaxed song with piano for the first 3 minutes. The guitar melodies then come in and they sound incredible as the song is no longer relaxed as it changes to an uptempo and catchy beat. What sounds like xylophone and synths come in and the guitar 8 1/2 minutes in is amazing. "He Is Coming At Tokyo Station" is different from the others with piano and drums dominating and some good guitar as well. "The Picture Book-X Rated" is uptempo with an incredible heavy duty soundscape 4 minutes in. The ending is both heavy and hypnotic. "The Three Leaves Insect" reminds me of NOEKK in the beginning. This is very dark and heavy. There is a blistering guitar solo 4 1/2 minutes in as drums pound away. Nice. There is some more dark and heavy music late led by some great bass work. "The Great Man (Revisited)" is an acoustic version of the opening track.

Some of my favourite music is dark and heavy, and with this release you can add creative and complex. This is truly a masterpiece !