HUNDRED SIGHTS OF KOENJI

I really want to like this band, honestly ! This band is led by Yoshida that famous Japanese drummer who's involved in all kinds of avant projects. He's been a big fan of MAGMA for many years and this project has allowed him to pay homage to them and also play this style of music that he loves.The problem for me is how over the top the music and vocals are.This is noisy, loud and bombastic, all of which describe the things about music that i'm not into. Now i'll admit that this album which is the debut isn't as crazy or insane as the ones that follow, I just wish it was more rhythmic like MAGMA is. It's funny because there are many Zeuhl bands out there that I love just as much or more than MAGMA, this is one of the few Zeuhl bands I have difficulty with for the reasons i've stated. Okay there's my disclaimer.

"Ioss" has those multi-vocals with a beat. It gets pretty intense before 3 minutes. "Doi Doi" opens with keyboards and vocals and it turns a lot fuller in a hurry. Guitar after 4 minutes as we get a ripping instrumental section. Vocals are back 5 minutes in.The song ends as it began. "Molavena" is chaotic with normal singing. Some female vocal melodies before 2 minutes followed by vocals. "Gepek" features outbursts of noise before it settles in with vocals. Bizarre. Some yelling and screaming going on as well.

"Yagonahh" has some prominant bass early with keys and drums. Vocals a minute in. Female vocals 3 minutes in and male vocals follow. "Ozone Fall" has some guitar a minute in then it turns heavier with vocals. Insane and noisy. "Zhess" sounds like a soundtrack to a riot. "Zoltan" is surprisingly mellow to start. Vocal melodies join in.This is dirge-like as the organ continues throughout. "Avedumma" is uptempo with guitar,bass and drums. It changes before 1 1/2 minutes to a more bombastic sound. Vocals join in. Male and female. Good song. "Sunna Zarioki" is uptempo with lots of drums and vocals.

An excellent debut where they try to change it up once in a while at least. I guess I prefer my Zeuhl less frantic and noisy. I'm in the minority apparently. 3.5 stars.